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Point to Point
Point-to-Point racing is steeple chase racing for amateurs.
It is run under the administrative body and governance of the Point-to-Point Authority (PPA), whilst regulated by the British Horseracing Authority. Each Meeting is run at a local level by a Hunt or recognised Point-to-Point Club.
The season runs from the end of November up until June and features over 200 fixtures, the majority being held at weekends across the UK. Races are run over 3 miles with a minimum of 18 fences to be jumped. However, there are a few longer races (up to 4 miles) and a number of 2 ½ mile races for maidens.
Point to Point success stories
A large number of owners, riders, trainers, officials and protagonists in the professional racing industry all received their first taste of racing from Point-to-Points.
The sport encourages and educates young jockeys in race-riding as the following recent examples prove, all having made the transition from Point-to-Points to Jump racing with considerable success:
- Sam Thomas
- Richard Johnson
- Robert Thornton
- Tom Scudamore
- Joe Tizzard
- Mark Bradburne
It has also proven a great springboard to the training careers of many successful trainers including, of late, David Pipe and Evan Williams.
Many horses whose racing careers have been nurtured in Point-to-Points have graduated to the highest level of Jump Racing. Most successful graduates over the years include:
- Joe Lively (winner - 2007 Feltham Novices’ Chase)
- Celestial Gold (winner – 2006 Aintree’s Betfair Bowl Chase, 2004 Newbury’s Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup Chase, 2004 Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase)
- Kingscliff (winner – Haydock’s 2005 Betfair Chase)
- Forest Gunner (winner – 2005 Haydock’s Red Square Vodka Gold Cup Chase)
- Ad Hoc (winner - 2001 Whitbread Gold Cup)
- See More Business (winner - 1999 Cheltenham Gold Cup, 1997 & 1999 King George VI Chase, 1999 & 2000 Charlie Hall Chase, 2000 Aon Chase, 2000 Martell Cup, 2001 Pillar Property Chase)
- Teeton Mill (winner - 1998 King George VI Chase, 1998 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup, 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun Ascot Chase)
- Cool Dawn (winner - 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup)
- Harwell Lad (winner - 1997 Whitbread Gold Cup)
- Coome Hill (winner - 1996 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup)
- Best Mate (winner of the 2002, 2003 and 2004 Cheltenham Gold Cups)
- Denman (2008 Gold Cup Winner)
Similarly, Point-to-Point racing provides an excellent racing environment for older horses whose handicap rating may limit opportunities under rules or who are no longer suited to the rigours of Jump racing, yet still enjoy the game and have much to offer in the amateur ranks.
Volunteering
The sport gives the opportunity for enthusiasts to watch thoroughbred racing in areas not easily accessible to racecourses and is attributed to bringing the live racing and betting experience to new audiences.
Point to Point racing also draws together regional and local communities and attracts enormous support from volunteers, who are the cornerstones to its successful running, acting in a wide variety of roles, including:
- stewarding and officials
- course and fence preparation
- organisation leading up to a meeting
- smooth running of racing on the day
- putting the course back to peak condition for subsequent meetings
Visit our contacts page to contact your local Point to Point area secretary and volunteer for a great and worthwhile cause.
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