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| WHAT'S THE POINT-TO-POINT? |
A LOOK AT AMATEUR HORSE-RACING
BY IAN GLAVES
The sport of Steeplechasing was originated by hunting men who raced their hunting horses over natural country from point-to-point, usually church steeples as they were the only landmarks that could be seen on the flat. The sport developed during the 19th Century, becoming more sophisticated and run on enclosed courses with thoroughbred horses, professionally trained. This sidelined the amateurs, who couldn't afford to compete at this level.
Local Hunts undertook to organize amateur events with much success, the Worcestershire Hunt started meetings from 1836, with Atherstone claiming to be the first Hunt to stage an annual event from the 1870's.
There have been many changes of rules and administration over the years, but it is now under the control of the British Horseracing Authority. The horses must not be from professional yards, and the jockeys must be amateurs. Women can ride (this wasn't always the case – men only in the early days), but no-one under 16 years is allowed. Prize-money, sponsorship and advertising are recent innovations.
The courses are between 2.5 and 3 miles, with a varying number of jumps made from birch brash. The meetings are open to the public (with suitable admission fee), and there are registered Bookies on site to take your bets. Meetings are mostly organized by local Hunts, and any profits made go to the upkeep of the Hunt and it's hound pack. Despite knock-backs recently with the hunting legislation, Point-to Point meetings continue without any diminution in popularity.
It can be a fun day out for all the family – although most meetings are held on an afternoon on weekends or Bank Holidays. Details of events near you can be viewed on http://www.pointtopoint.co.uk. You need to be aware that under 18's are not allowed to bet.
My local event, only four miles from my home, is run on a course on farmland at Charm Park. There is a flurry of activity in the days preceding the event, with the erection of marquees, enclosures, stalls, and, most importantly, a beer tent!
Charm Park – parade ring and runners and riders board.
The Bookies are early on the scene to be set up before he first race. Wily characters who've been around! "Poverty on Tour"! I don't think so. According to locals, there are two things you never see – a contented farmer and a dead donkey. I'd add a third – a poor Bookie!
The Staintondale Hunt organizes the event, run by a dedicated team to a well-oiled plan. Many of the Hunt members volunteer, and all jumps are manned by stewards, with paramedic cover, with a doctor always on duty for the whole event. You can be sure of a few spills with amateur riders and horses, but serious injuries are rare.
The meeting usually kicks off with a parade of the local Hunt, with the Kennel-master and his hound pack.
Pony Club girls will sell you a programme and race-card.
Horses and riders arrive well before the first race, as there are preparations to make.
"Come-on, what are we waiting for?
All the owners want their horses to look their best, so much grooming and beautifying goes on.
Nice buttocks.
Make sure that girth is tight- it's hard enough to stay on over 19 jumps!
It's very important to keep the mount exercised prior to the race. There's a whole bulk of muscle that has to be warmed-up and at peak efficiency before galloping and jumping the 3 mile course, so the stable girls (it always seems to be a girl!) keep the horses walking about until they head for the parade ring. There's still time to text the boyfriend, however.
When horses and riders are called, they head for the parade ring, where jockey and mount meet up, and the public get a chance to assess the form. It's the last chance to choose before putting the bet on. Then you join the queue for your favourite Bookie.
Studying form – it's an important decision!
Three miles over 19 jumps is a grueling race. Many don't complete the course but the jockeys are sensitive to their mounts and will pull them up if they have had enough. Flogging a dead horse won't get you a ride in the next race.
However, it's not over until it's over. The jockeys have to "weigh-in" at the end of the race to make sure their handicap weight is the same as at the start. Losing the weights on course will lead to disqualification.
There are usually 6 or 7 races per meeting, so a full afternoons' entertainment is guaranteed, although the number of entries in the programme doesn't equate with the actual declared runners on the day – some horses may be unfit, or the going not suitable. Occasionally it's a two horse race! Mostly it's exciting and fun, and you might come away with a pocketful of winnings, although I wouldn't bet on it!
