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GB POINTING – The GRASSROOTS OF BRITISH JUMP RACING

IRREVOCABLY linked

Although a sport in its own right, with an inherent amateur ethos, Point-to-Pointing and racing under rules are closely intertwined.

Around 70% of professional jockeys started riding in points and around 35% of licensed trainers started their careers training pointers before gaining a licence.

Pointing is also a fertile ground for horses with an increasing number who run under rules having experience their first run in a point-to-point. The slightly slower pace and smaller fences in pointing, combined with a different training approach and smaller yards, means it’s a great way to freshen up under rules horses or extend their racing career. Around 60% of horses running in point-to-points previously ran under rules.

History of the Sport

Horses: From Prospects to Legends

Many top-rated horses started their careers running in British point-to-points, examples being Cheltenham Gold Cup winners The Dikler, Norton’s Coin and See More Business, plus other top-class chasers such as Teeton Mill, Santini and Ahoy Senor.

The increasingly professional standard of training within pointing is reflected in the growing focus on 4 and 5 year old maiden winners going to the sales before progressing under rules. We look forward to seeing many more big name stars in the future taking this route.

Jockeys: Launchpads for Careers

Although many riders who start out in point-to-points will stay in the sport, enjoying their weekend rides, others set their sights differently.

70% of all professional jump jockeys started out riding in point-to-points, big names like Sean Bowen, Harry Cobden, Harry Skelton, Richard Johnson and Nico De Boinville included.

How to Become a Jockey

Trainers: Where it all begins

Although many point-to-point trainers stay in the sport, others have different plans and move on to having a professional license to train under rules, having started out training pointers or as amateur riders.

Think big names like Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, Roger Varian, Sir Mark Prescott, David Pipe, Fergal O’Brien, Jeremy Scott and more recently rising stars such as James Owen, Mickey Bowen and recent multiple champion point-to-point trainer Tom Ellis.

become a point-to-point trainer

Owners: Fuelling the fire

Owners come in all shapes and sizes but they all have something in common –  a passion for racing and a love of the thoroughbred racehorse.

Many owners, whether syndicate members, joint owners or sole owners, will also be involved with horses under rules.

Owning a Pointer is a very different experience to racing under rules. You get much closer to the horse and nearer the action, whether it be in the lorry park, paddock or by the finishing line.

 

Explore ownership opportunites

Officials: Shaping the Sport Behind the Scenes

Pointing is ultimately governed by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) which delegates its powers to the PPA to run the sport.

This governance structure ensures the integrity of point-to-point and the highest levels of safety and welfare for horses and riders.  On race days a chief Steward, stewards and numerous officials are responsible for ensuring the regulations and instructions are followed and applied,  holding enquiries when necessary.

Many stewards at point-to-points previously stewarded under rules, or will gain experience at point-to-points before stewarding under rules.

How to Get Involved

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