THE ground for today’s point-to-point at Quakerstown in Co Clare is reported to be “safe with no jar” despite the recent dry spell.

Following a very wet spring which saw many point-to-points cancelled due to unraceable conditions, the autumn season has been dogged by very little rainfall which has led to small fields in plenty of races.

Paul O’Neill, secretary for the Co Clare hunt, said of Quakerstown: “The ground was good, good to yielding in places on Thursday and we were expecting rain on Friday, so it should be safe. It’s in good order.

“We are constantly trying to ensure we have suitable ground because a lot of young horses are coming from Wexford these days and it’s a long drive for them.”

Starting at 12.30pm, the fixture has attracted a healthy 99 entries though they are not evenly distributed among the six races. “The entries are heavily weighted in favour of the four-year-olds, meaning you could have very few runners in some of the other races,” O’Neill explained.

“The four-year-old races are vital for the industry but the general public want to see competitive fields for all races, and race sponsors don’t want their name attached to a race with a small field either. That’s a challenge.”

Quakerstown’s spring meeting always takes place on Easter Sunday and has a big local following. Organisers don’t expect the attendance to be as big today. “A Saturday fixture is never as popular as a Sunday, so we have been working hard to put on more attractions for the public. We have face-painting, a dog show and a hobby horse show jumping course for children.”

The Co Clare hunt is lucky to be able to call on plenty of local volunteers to help out. O’Neill said: “A lot of the committee members are older but we have younger people coming through. This week I made 45 calls to volunteers asking for help and nobody said no.”

Staging a point-to-point remains a costly exercise. “The hike in the insurance premium was the big killer,” O’Neill says, “and it has also become a lot more expensive to have the track put back after racing.”

Local trainers such as Derek and Paurick O’Connor, Brian Hassett, John Staunton and the Costellos are also expected to support today’s meeting. O’Neill commented: “Even though there are fewer racehorses in Clare than in other neighbouring counties, point-to-points have a great following. Everyone has to drive to get to the track and yet we get great support.”