David Christie is hoping to have several winners at this weekend's Necarne Point to Point Races. The local trainer has nine horses running and is hopeful that he can claim some of the top prizes, despite the presence of some stiff competition.

The two day event held in the impressive Necarne grounds near Irvinestown starts on Friday evening, and David first day runners include Mable Mons, River Pirate, Hume River and Lacghy Coff Lafs. On Saturday his runners are Bell on Bike, Slieve Kirk, the much fancied Subaroo Blue and Colin Ward.

"I have four chances for horses to run well," said David. "My three top horses would be Subaroo Blue, River Pirate and Boneparte's Retreat. Subaroo Blue is one of the highest rated horses. The last time he won he beat a horse that had won five on the trot and we are hoping for as big run from him." The local syndicate behind Subaroo Blue will be among the many spectators at the event which is expected to attract a lot of Ireland's top point to point horses. With several championships to be decided as the season comes to an end, particularly with the Northern riders title finely poised with the top two jockeys on 13 winners each, David is expecting a host of strong contenders.

"I think you will see a big entry with some very good horses," he said. "You will find the trainers will be sending up good horses so they can win their championships. On top of the Northern rider's title that there is a ladies championship going on between Liz Lawler and Katy Walsh, daughter of Ted Walsh, and Ted is likely to bring something good to keep her ahead. You also have a novice rider's championship at the minute and Graham Waters from Armagh is just two behind. There will be horses coming from Cork and all over Ireland." The fact the two day spectacular has attracted such a strong entry is a reflection of the high esteem the event is held in by the trainers throughout Ireland.

"It's very well regarded," admitted David. "Race wise it is fairly high quality. Last year there were four winners in Necarne who went on to become high class horses over in England. It is a genuine festival and there are people who will be coming from all over Ireland and spending the weekend up here. The race track is tricky. It is uphill and downhill and that wouldn't be every horse's cup of tea, but as a setting and a venue for spectators it is second to none in Ireland. It is a very stiff track and it will ride very testing this weekend. It's a good job it comes at the end of the season when the horses are very fit, because it will need a good fit horse. It's surprising at this time of the year how many good horses run at Necarne and how many good horses come out of it." With Necarne being the final race of the Northern Ireland season, David is hoping to round off what he regards as a successful point to point season with further success. "The season has gone well for me," he said. "We have run horses in fairly high profile races and they have acquitted themselves well. It's been a strange season because ground conditions have been almost back to front from what you normally expect. We've had a few horses getting injured but overall I'm quite pleased, and we've had nine winners." David will be hoping to hit double figures by the end of the weekend.

TOP TIPS FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY'S RACING FRIDAY 4.30 p.m. Falling off the Moon 5.00 p.m. Tullan Strand 5.30 p.m. Beyond the Wall 6.00 p.m. Send for Paddy 6.30 p.m. Encore Amore 7.00 p.m. How long have you got SATURDAY 2.30 p.m. South Sea Island 3.00 p.m. Folduff 3.30 p.m. What will we do next 4.00 p.m. Subaroo Blue 4.30 p.m. Nearly a Dream 5.00 p.m. Derryogue