AMATEUR rider Richard Harding from Ballydoyle Castletownroche Mallow, was the only rider, to score a splendid double, at his home meeting, at the annual Kildorrery point to point races, which attracted the biggest ever attendance, to this most popular of venues on Sunday last.

Nine races with three divides, hugh fields with competitive racing, on a gloriously fine afternoon, on a superb well presented course, owned by the Vaughan family, all contributed to the magnificent success of the meeting, which had the added distinction, of having the biggest betting take, of the point to point meetings so far this season.

Harding combined with Carrigtwohill trainer Terence O'Brien to win the two divisions, of the 5 year old geldings maiden, in contrasting styles. On hot favourite Saved By John, he was always prominent, and jumping superbly, set sail for home two out, staying on well for a most impressive two lengths win. He had luck on his side, in the second division, when the clear leader fell at the last, presenting the advantage to South Link, which battled to hold Jasper Massini by two lengths. This win provided Richard, with his 12 win of the season, and his 134 th career success, in addition to 31 track victories.

The first division winner, is owned by Sean Leahy, a financial adviser, from Lacknamona, Fermoy Road Mallow, and will contest a bumper event, at Cork Racecourse Mallow at Easter Time. South Link is owned by The Pelham Syndicate, from Watergrasshill and the surrounding Cork city area.

The opening confined maiden was divided, with Ask the Thatcher, providing Drough Mitchelstown, talented rider, 21 year old Eoin O'Brien, with his 5th career success, and his third win for winning trainer Jimmy Mangan. Confidently ridden, O'Brien eased his mount to the front, across the top of the course, and stayed on well, to win by three lengths, for owners Joe and Mel Power from Meadstown Killdorrery, who bred grand national winner Silver Buck, and prolific scorer Rindoon.

Division two saw lady rider Maxine O'Sullivan, from Lombardstown, Mallow, at her brilliant best on In The system, which made all the running, under a supremely confident drive by the most talented, and stylish rider, who is currently a first year science student at UCC.

The winner was making amends, for a most unlucky run, here in this race last season, when the saddle slipped coming down the hill. The owner, is the popular Secretary, of the Duhallow point to point race committee Tim Noonan from Kanturk, who indicated, that his charge, will go for a maiden hurdle at Mallows Point to point race day, on Easter Monday, at Cork Racecourse Mallow.

The Gain Qualifier saw a hughly impressive performance, from Overnight Fame, which was given a supremely confident drive, by Dromtariffe Mallow rider Damien Murphy. Prominent from the outset, he committed and went for home, with three to jump, and quickly stamped his authority on proceedings, with a most impressive 10 length win, providing Murphy, the 2005 Southern Champion, with his ninth win of the season, and his 253rd career success, in addition to 31 track wins. Jimmy Mangan trains the winner for his wife Mary at Conna, and nominated The Gain final, and Gowla bumper as possible long term targets.

Ballincollig amateur Con McSweeney, is really making his presence felt, in the point to point scene this season, and produced a magnificent, confident, waiting display, on On The Net which showed his class, to win the open lightweight by three lengths.

Ridden with supreme confidence, in mid division, he cruised through at the second last, and went right away, to win by two lengths, providing Con with his fifth career success, in a most promising career. Eoghan O'Grady trains the winner at Ballyclough Mallow, and stated "He will now go straight to Cheltenham next month, for the Christies Foxhunters chase, he was purchased at the Derby sales as a four year old, and has won six on the track, and four points, and in 28 runs, has only been out of the money on four occasions."

Irene Walsh from Aglish Dungarvan, who is PRO of the Cork / Wateford point to point committee, has an outstanding 6 year old on her hands, in Island Peak, which completed a hat trick of wins, in the winers of two event, under a splendid drive, from Liscarroll Mallow a mature Michael O'Connor, for his 18th win of the season. Jumping well, the well schooled winner, made smooth progress, with four to jump, and eased to the front with two to jump, completely stamping his authority on the race, to win by three lengths, from King Maker.

O'Connor also trains the winner, which will contest another point race or a hunters chase. Clonakilty trainer Tom O'Leary, provided Castlelyons rider Colman Sweeney, with his 8th win of the season, with Maid in Moscow, which benefited from an excellent drive, to win the second division, of the 5/6 y o mares maiden, for the 8 member Take It easy syndicate, from Ballinhassig, who leased the mare, from owner Eugene Mc Kenna. Cloyne in two weeks time, is the mares next scheduled appearance.

John Fouhy who is the present chairman for the past 9 years, spoke to The Corkman, at the conclusion of the races. "Racing was outstanding, and we had our biggest ever attendance, I wish to thank our outstanding race committee, who worked tirelessly, for the smooth and most efficient running, of our best ever meeting, my sincere thanks to our marvelous sponsors, and to the Vaughan family for their help and co operation, in the provision of a magnificent race track, and to Pat O'Brien, adjacent land owner, for his generosity, in the provision of his land for parking."

Sunday's point to point races, take place at Kilpatrick Bandon commencing at 1.30pm.

- Pat Griffin