Momentum is building towards Leuchars point-to-point at Pusk Farm on April 26th

Fancy a trip to Scotland? A holiday with a twist? Take your horses, ride on the beach, run them at the most picturesque course!

Momentum is building towards Leuchars point-to-point at Pusk Farm on April 26th and the organising team are working hard to create the perfect racecourse and experience for both horse and connections.

Louisa Cheape, who is responsible for the creation of the racecourse on her family farm, says: “Behind the scenes, it has been building for a couple of years and we are very proud of the result.”

Understanding how important it is to produce good racing ground, Cheape adds: “I was advised by Rory Innes, assistant clerk of Musselburgh, that a pure ryegrass lay was best, so that is what we did. We now have excellent grass cover and watering facilities are available. We have had a dry month but are due unsettled weather and rain for the next week, so we will be monitoring it closely and will start watering as we see fit. I am a perfectionist, so I have sought all the right advice. Matt Taylor, who clerks at Perth and Kelso, is our clerk of the course and will be here regularly over the coming weeks with updates.”

Overnight stabling with the use of turnout will be readily available locally at a cost of £20 per night per horse, including bedding. Cheape says: “We realise we are a very long way north, so providing facilities for staying over is important. We would love to create a situation where people can come up for a day or two, enjoy glorious Scotland, run the horse, have a great day at the point-to-point and want to come back another year.” She adds: “West Sands Beach is just down the road too and who doesn’t want to ride on the beach? We are also at the end of Perth Race Week, so hopefully, people feel they can make a week of it!”

In terms of the course itself, it is an undulating left-handed track with excellent viewing. “The first two fences are complete and will be out on course on Monday and the birch is collected and ready for the rest of the fences to be completed. The ‘stuffing’ team will be busy next week, which is an exciting moment. I am very happy with where we are, we have a week in hand from where I wanted to be at this stage. We have lots of help and have been well supported. For example, Perth Racecourse has donated running rails.”

Meeting secretary Eugenia Turcan tells me about the other things happening on the day: “We have numerous inflatables for entertainment, a bouncy castle and a bucking bronco. We have the army coming with Jackals and army-style trucks on display. They are local to us and are very keen to engage with the local community.

“The sponsors’ tent will be open to all owners and trainers and will have an all-day drinks party vibe. We are very keen to give connections a good experience. There will be chunky finger food, drinks all day and a band in the evening! We have a really great, fun crowd of sponsors and everyone is looking forward to the day.”

Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell has sponsored a race and Peter Scudamore, Russell’s partner, explains: “It is great to be involved. Lisa O’Connor, who works in the yard, had her first winner at Friars Haugh recently and will be one heading to Pusk. Pointing is the grassroots of under-rules racing and where we can, we like to support.”

The prize money has increased from what is printed in the planner. The mixed open remains at £750 to the winner, while all other races have increased to £300, and the bumper has increased to £200.

The Lucinda Russell-trained Corach Rambler, who won at the Cheltenham Festival and The Grand National in 2023, will be in attendance to lead the runners for the first race to the start.

The course is a mile from Leuchars railway station, which offers direct links from Edinburgh and the A91 is also just a mile away.

For more information regarding stabling and accommodation, ring or WhatsApp Louisa Cheape at 07881967947.