Track Biography:

Point-to-Point horse racing is a longstanding tradition proudly kept alive in Ireland for the past 250 years and is frequently the starting ground for the new future young stars of the racing circuit. The North Galway Hunt host their annual Point-to-Point fixture in early March each year at Michael Cunningham’s Land in Golden Park, Belclare which is situated just off the N17 between Galway city (33km) and Tuam (7km), and is considered by Point-to-Point experts to be very safe and ideal location for racing, as the land supports a level course with no rise or descent on the circuit.

Point-to-Point racing has been described as the lifeblood of the racing industry in Ireland. For many it is their first introduction to racing, either as participants or as spectators. Many of today’s riders, owners, trainers and officials all received their first taste of racing on the Point-to-Point circuit. The North Galway Point-to Point have had the honour of hosting the maiden race in Belclare for many years, famously won by the legendary ‘Best Mate’, before going on to win three Cheltenham Gold Cups and ‘The Thinker’ who also ran at the North Galway Point-to-Point and subsequently won a Gold Cup race.

We are very lucky that our fixture typically draws a large entry with trainers coming from all over the country to run their horses with us. The continued success of the Point-to-Point in Belclare is much to the credit of the North Galway Point-to-Point Committee who work hard to make this annual sporting event an enjoyable and safe day for participants and spectators alike on the eve of Cheltenham.