Combine a great family atmosphere with exciting sports at local Point to Point Races

"Steeplechase racing for non-professionals" might best describe Point to Point Races. The races are also characterised by the fact that jockeys and horses are affiliated with local hunts and it is the hunts that sponsor the races themselves. Although jockeys must have a riders' qualification certificate, professional jockeys are excluded and horses must meet Weatherby's eligibility requirements. Jockeys may own and ride their own horses or they may ride other people's horses (but are not allowed to be paid to do so). At the ownership level, the "sport of kings" becomes an affordable hobby for individual or syndicated owners wishing to have a horse to go and watch run on the weekends.

The family appeal of Point to Point racing is that the ‘community' of riders, horses, owners and even spectators is close knit, local, and very friendly. In the greater Tunbridge Wells area, there are six or more eligible riders and numerous Point to Point horses all with their own following of fans. Local jockeys such as Philip Hall and Pete Bull have families and day jobs but spend their weekends riding, following the South East Point to Point circuit with family in tow.

Race going fans drive in vehicles loaded with children, dogs, tables and gourmet picnics, not to mention plenty of blankets and wet weather gear too. Friends try to park near each other to form a picnicking party so children can play together while the adults scan the programme until all wander over and watch the horses or ponies in the paddock. If the packing effort seems too much, or you drive a Mini instead of a Range Rover, there are plenty of food and drink stands on offer as well as other shopping and entertainment. What you won't see are the ‘Ascot' fancy hats and stiletto heels; champagne flows but in the company of tweed and wellies.

Point to Points are held at weekends and holidays at around 120 courses around Britain. These courses are usually temporarily staged on farmland, are approximately 3 miles long and have about 18 brush jumps (which look like 4 ft high hedges). You can expect about seven races per meet and a good choice of bookies to accept your wagers. Some fixtures hold pony flat races. Admission is around £25 per car.

Upcoming Point to Point Races are:

Sunday 29th March
Godstone, Surrey

Saturday 4th April
Penshurst, Kent

Saturday 25th April
Penshurst, Kent

Saturday 2nd May
Godstone, Surrey

More information on Point to Pointing, including times, venues and contacts, can be found at: www.pointingse.webeden.co.uk

Article written for Spring 2009 issue by Diane Fountain