Ger Quinn's fast start at Toomebridge a clear indicator that last season's success was no flash in the pan

Trainers in the northern region certainly can’t afford to ease themselves into the new season.

Last Saturday’s season-opening fixture at Toomebridge was the first of just four point-to-points in the region in the pre-Christmas term, and with three of those meetings taking place on the first three Saturdays of the campaign it is certainly a case of blink and you'll miss it.

Ger Quinn was quick out of the traps. The Antrim handler ran five horses across the afternoon with each one finishing in the placings, including impressive four-year-old maiden winner Shabalko D’Herm.

Since moving to Philip McBurney’s stables outside Ballymena in 2021, the former jockey has made a significant impression on the region’s pointing scene in a relatively short space of time, culminating in being presented with the leading handler prize at the northern region awards at Downpatrick last May.

It marked the end of a memorable season for Quinn, whose 15 winners was more than double his tally for the previous term. Additionally, 38 of the stable’s 50 runners finished in the first four, a particularly eyecatching return.

Counted among those 15 winners last season was Teeshan, who won by 41 lengths on his debut at Loughanmore, and Buckna, who was bought for £350,000 after also scoring on his debut for Quinn at Kirkistown in March.

Of course, it makes all the difference when you have the right horses at your disposal. In this regard McBurney has supplemented the investment he has made in state-of-the-art facilities with his purchases in the sales ring.

Aided by renowned bloodstock agent Ian Ferguson, the approach to sourcing new talent is delivering the raw materials but, as any of the sport’s handlers will attest to, it is another skill transforming an unraced store purchase into a four-year-old maiden winner in a matter of months.

That is what Quinn has been able to do to ensure the Caherty Stables outfit of Philip McBurney Racing has rapidly become established at the top table, and one of the biggest players in the region.

Those Toomebridge results are a clear statement of intent for the season ahead, and quickly dismiss any thought of 2023-24 being a one-off season.

Weekend fixtures

SATURDAY
Portrush, first race 1pm

SUNDAY
Loughrea, first race 1pm

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.