Glittering night at Downpatrick

Glittering night at Downpatrick

28 May 2025

DOWNPATRICK Racecourse was the venue for the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders Northern Region point-to-point awards on Friday evening

Nearly 300 guests gathered for the event, hosted by Pamela Ballantine, to mark the conclusion of the 2024/2025 season.

Toni Quail, a Downpatrick native currently based at Sam Curling’s yard in Co Tipperary, received a special recognition award for her outstanding season.

With the national point-to-point season now complete, Toni has been confirmed as Ireland’s leading lady rider, finishing with nine wins.

Noel McParlan was named leading Northern jockey, tallying 19 regional wins – including trebles at both the season opener in Toomebridge and the final meeting at Necarne.

Fourteen of his victories came in partnership with Gerald Quinn, who regained the title of leading Northern handler with 18 wins, notably recording four in one day at Portrush.

Philip McBurney claimed the title of leading Northern owner, finishing the season with 13 winners trained by Gerald Quinn and many of them ridden by Noel McParlan.

Edward McMahon was honoured as leading Northern breeder, thanks to the success of the Stuart Crawford trained -Carnfunnock, who recorded back-to-back wins at Tyrella and Kirkistown.

Carnfunnock also secured a sixth-place finish in the prestigious Foxhunters Race at Cheltenham.

In a historic moment, Winged Leader was named leading Northern horse, having equalled the 59-year-old point-to-point record of 33 career wins. Racegoers were delighted to see him parade on the night in celebration of this remarkable milestone.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt presentation of the lifetime achievement award to Robert Steele—a highly respected figure within the point-to-point community.

A former jockey and two-time Ulster regional champion, Steele’s passion for the sport has continued through his work as a veterinary surgeon and steward. His lifelong contribution to point-to-point racing, both in Ireland and abroad, was fittingly recognised.

A spokesperson for Downpatrick Racecourse congratulated all the award winners and thanked the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders for their continued support of this special annual event.