National Hunt and Point-to-Point Racing in Ireland: A History

The Irish people have a deep affinity for horses and an enduring passion for the sport they make possible. Jump racing – often regarded as the ‘ poor relation’ of flat racing – has captured the hearts of generations across the island. Before the establishment of the GAA in the 19th century, steeplechasing was regarded by many as Ireland’ s national sport. At the same time, equestrian sport was synonymous with the Anglo-Irish Protestant elite, who formed regulatory bodies to manage and devel...