Hanlon the sole Irish representative at point-to-point

Shark Hanlon has made the trip across the Irish Sea to run five horses at the inaugural International point-to-point fixture at Barbury on Saturday afternoon with a view to attracting new clientele.

The county Carlow-based trainer is the only representative from Ireland at the meeting which gets underway at 11.30am and will feature at least eight races on the day, including a divided bumper.

Hanlon said: “Our yard has become more of a selling yard in recent times and I thought this was a good opportunity to travel to England with some nice horses and hopefully I will be able to meet some new owners.

“I have brought four four-year-olds and a five-year-old and they all have Flat pedigrees. I am praying the rain stays away for mine.

“They are all nice horses and I think they will run nice races and prove this trip to be worthwhile. It's being billed as an international point, and while Irish trainers and jockeys were meant to come earlier in the week, it turns out I am the only one who came. Hopefully I can get a few winners!”

In addition to the bumpers and maidens designed to blood progressive young horses, at the opposite end of the spectrum the older horses will be given a chance to shine in the 3m6f conditions chase for horses aged nine and up.

Tattersalls Ireland will offer wildcard entries to its Cheltenham Select Sale on Saturday, January 28 to all winners at the meeting, and a £75 allowance will be given to any unplaced horse travelling more than 200 miles.

Barbury is located three miles north west of Marlborough and the main entrance is off the Marlborough to Broad Hinton road. Entry is £10 per adult on the day and children under 18 go free.