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First steps toward point-to-pointing. Circa 1790 when bold riders, often landowners or members of local hunts, would race their horses from one point to another point over open countryside jumping fences, ditches and water.

The origins of steeplechasing. When races from one point to another were set to finish at a distant location, usually a rural church which could be spotted by its steeple.

National Hunt. While steeplechasing grew in popularity it was largely unregulated until the 1860s when the National Hunt Committee was formed and recognised by flat racing’s then governing body The Jockey Club. Point-to-pointing was brought under the NH Committee’s jurisdiction in 1937, but is now regulated by the British Horseracing Authority.

where modern-day national HUNT jump racing BEGAN

The Grassroots of British Jump Racing

Pointing retains its amateur ethos whilst welcoming an increasingly professional element, improving welfare standards for equine and human participants alike.

A sport that is steeped in tradition, history and rural communities is also the heartbeat of British jump racing. Racing is the second largest spectator sport in the UK, beaten only by football, and pointing is the foundation of the racing pyramid.

  • 70% of  professional Jump Jockeys started out riding in Point-to-Points
  • 35% of Licensed Trainers started their career training Pointers
  • 10% of horses running under-rules started running in Point-to-Points
  • 60% of horses running in Point-to-Points previously ran under-rules
  • 25% of  our race-goers are under 18 years of age

Racing Under Rules

how pointing works

  1. Race Length

    Most are run over 3 miles and 18 fences.

  2. runners on the day

    Although horses are “entered” for a race around a week before race-day, they only “declare to run” an hour before the race itself. This is why race cards list horses that don’t take part.

  3. Amateur riders

    All jockey’s are amateur’s aged 16 and above.

  4. Novice rider allowances

    Until a jockey has ridden 10 winners they are classed as a “Novice Rider” and can claim a 5lb weight allowance compared to more experienced riders.

Horse & Jockey Welfare

 

Horse and Rider welfare is paramount with point-to-points increasingly moving closer to licensed race-course standards.

Pointing is ultimately governed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and abides by its regulations including Veterinary and Medical requirements on the day. These are reviewed every season and are always evolving and improving.

First year riders must complete a Rider Assessment with an approved Jockey Coach to ensure they have the correct level of ability to race-ride. All riders must apply annually for a Riders Qualification Certificate and supply medical information.

Cover on race-day includes licensed racecourse standard Vets and Doctors, medical provision, drug and alcohol testing and Health & Safety adherence. The welfare of horses and jockeys is not just a responsibility but a core value of pointing.

Encouraging young riders

GB Pointing is passionate about supporting the next generation of jockeys. That’s why we work closely with the Pony Racing Authority (PRA), giving young people the chance to gain race experience at many of our fixtures.

The PRA provides a safe and structured introduction to racing, with training days, taster sessions and pony racing series run under clear regulations in consultation with the BHA. This pathway has already produced many of today’s leading professional jockeys.

By hosting pony races alongside our point-to-points, we create opportunities for children and teenagers to develop their riding skills, build confidence and share in the thrill of competition, all within the supportive atmosphere of the point-to-point community.

Join us for a day like no other

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