INHSC announce point-to-point investment The Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Committee has announced a €300,000 investment over the next three years for support to implement and improve medical facilities at Point to Points. The first €100,000 is to be donated immediately to the Jockeys Emergency Fund, which looks after the needs of injured jockeys. Further investments will be made in the current year in upgrading the medical services. The announcement was made by Mr Michael Hickey, Senior Steward, INHS Committee, who was speaking at the Irish National Hunt Awards Dinner which was held last night, Sunday, 28 April, in the Dunboyne Castle Hotel in Co Meath. Guest of honour at the dinner was Mr Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Speaking at the awards, Senior Steward Michael Hickey praised the award winners whom he said had all contributed greatly, not alone to the past season, but also to Ireland’s rich heritage in the sport of National Hunt Racing. He said that, while the sport had had many highs in the past year, there were also the lows and he particularly referred to Jonjo Bright and JT McNamara, who both suffered serious injuries this year. He said that it was wonderful to see how the sport had once again come together to support both men in their time of need. He said that it was entirely appropriate that the INHSC had decided to donate to the Jockeys Emergency Fund which would support both men. He said that the €100,000 pledged to the fund would be lodged in the coming week. “In total the INHSC will invest €300,000 in National Hunt racing and this will be invested over a three year period. A number of immediate investments will also be made in the Point to Point area. "Point to Point meetings have become even more popular and one area which we have identified that needs further enhancement is in medical facilities and services. "A number of initiatives have been identified and it is hoped that these will be rolled out before the end of the year.” Mr Hickey noted that such initiatives included:- * The roll-out of more Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) to compliment the existing units which are currently in use at almost all Point to Point meetings. The intention is to have such units at every meeting. * The provision of full medical kits at all Point to Points. * A Turf Club medical officer at every Point to Point meeting.
