Northern Region point-to-point champions honoured at Downpatrick Following racing at Downpatrick last Friday, nearly 300 guests gathered for the Down Royal Corporation of Horse Breeders Northern Region point-to-point Awards, hosted by Pamela Ballantine, to mark the conclusion of the 2024/2025 season. Toni Quail, a Downpatrick native 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. Her most recent victory came at Tattersalls, where she scored by 16 lengths aboard Longhouse Star. Noel McParlan was named Leading Northern Jockey, tallying 19 regional wins - including trebles at the season opener in Toomebridge and the final meeting at Necarne. Some 14 of his victories came in partnership with Gerald Quinn, who regained the title of Leading Northern Handler with 18 wins, notably recording a four-timer at Portrush. Philip McBurney claimed the title of Leading Northern Owner, finishing the season with 13 winners trained by Gerald Quinn. His campaign finished strongly with doubles at Necarne's two-day meeting earlier this month. 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 ran sixth in the prestigious Foxhunters at Cheltenham. In a historic moment, Winged Leader was named Leading Northern Horse, having equalled the 59-year-old Irish 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 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.
