Ballon Point to Point

When the weather blesses like this then someone up there likes the horses.

According to Jack Corrigan, whose land it was staged, this is the only Point to Point
in the County of Carlow.

Definition: A steeplechase over a marked course for horses used in hunting.
Originally the Points were landmark places in the area each of which needed to
be reached to finish the course.

Steeplechase: A horse race (originally with a steeple as the goal) on a racecourse or across the countryside with ditches, hedges etc to jump over.

The horses are paraded around a ring to help the punters make their decision.

The jockeys are instructed to mount.

Bets are placed.

Some of the horses are shown the first, very formidable fence, before the race starts.

The horses are loosely assembled for the start.

Under the eye of the stewards.

Then for the off - about three miles I'm told.

with a running commentary

clearing the formidable fence

with a stretch and panache

and landing in style

except for the jockey in the green

and the 'also ran'

time for burgher and chips and home....... a great day dad.

Thanks to Jack Corrigan for giving me permission to take the photos.