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IT’s fast, thrilling and in the heart of the countryside

History of the Sport

How The Day Works

Pointing can be seen as a less formal and more relaxed day than racing under rules, being a countryside sport with more viewing opportunities around the course. Whether you want to watch the horse racing, catch up with family and friends, walk your dog, enjoy a boot picnic, buy food and refreshments or simply soak up the atmosphere it’s completely up to you.

It’s worth arriving an hour before the first race to park and get settled, or a bit earlier if you’re bringing a dog and walking the course. Cars are parked alongside or near the course, giving you the ideal base to watch the racing and enjoy the day.

  • You can buy a ticket on the gate, always by cash, sometimes by card and can usually purchase discounted tickets in advance online
  • Most fixtures let under-16s in free
  • Bookmakers all take cash with many accepting card payments
  • Food, drink & trade stands all take cash with most accepting card payments

Food, Drink & Entertainment

One of the great things about pointing is how unique each fixture is, not just in terms of the setting and course but what each offers on the day.

While some fixtures have a bar, a couple of food stalls and an ice-cream van, others have really gone to town with heated marquees, bars, gift halls, artisan food, a range of clothing, pet goods and equipment outlets and a country fair all running alongside the horse racing.

There can be anything from dog shows to strong man competitions, face painting, bouncy castles and fairground attractions, even pony racing and side-saddle dashes. There is usually something for everyone!

Some fixtures also have live music and entertainment running well into the night after racing has finished.

To know what to expect at each fixture check out the details on the Upcoming Fixtures page.

fixtures

what to bring

  • Family, friends, children and dogs!
  • Your perfect boot picnic
  • Cash and cards to have a bet, buy food, refreshments or gifts at the trade stalls
  • Blankets or chairs to sit on
  • The correct clothing and decent footwear – don’t  forget to check the weather forecast before you leave home
  • Binoculars if you have them

race types

maiden races

For horses that have not won a race.

novice rider races

For riders who have not ridden more than 10 winners in point-to-points.

OPEN RACES

These can be mixed or split into to female or male riders. Open means all horses can enter regardless of previous wins, this is the highest category of point-to-point races.

Restricted races

Following on from maiden races, open to any horse which has not won a race other than a maiden, a NH bumper or point-to-point flat race, a members’ race or one previous restricted race.

Intermediate races

A race open to any horse which has not won; a steeplechase or hurdle race under rules, an open point-to-point race, more than one Intermediate race, a conditions race or intermediate race or combinaion of the two.

P2P FLAT races

A race where no obstacles are jumped, sometimes referred to as a “bumper”.

conditions races

Races that can be Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. A race open to any horse which satisfies the relevant conditions of the race.

maiden races

For horses that have not won a race.

novice rider races

For riders who have not ridden more than 10 winners in point-to-points.

OPEN RACES

These can be mixed or split into to female or male riders. Open means all horses can enter regardless of previous wins, this is the highest category of point-to-point races.

Restricted races

Following on from maiden races, open to any horse which has not won a race other than a maiden, a NH bumper or point-to-point flat race, a members’ race or one previous restricted race.

Intermediate races

A race open to any horse which has not won; a steeplechase or hurdle race under rules, an open point-to-point race, more than one Intermediate race, a conditions race or intermediate race or combinaion of the two.

P2P FLAT races

A race where no obstacles are jumped, sometimes referred to as a “bumper”.

conditions races

Races that can be Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. A race open to any horse which satisfies the relevant conditions of the race.

racing tack explained

cheek pieces

Strips of sheepskin attached to the bridle that focus a horse’s vision, encouraging concentration without being as restrictive as blinkers.

red hood

A full hood fitted before a race to keep the horse calm in the preliminaries and at the start. It is taken off by the handler or starter just before the race begins.

Racing Hood

Usually black but can be any colour other than red. A hood that remains on during the race, covering the ears, to help keep a horse calm and stop it from being too keen or distracted.

Blinkers

A hood with eye cups that limit a horse’s peripheral vision, encouraging them to concentrate on what’s ahead rather than distractions around them.

Ring Bit

A bit with an additional ring that runs around the lower jaw, giving the jockey more control, especially with strong horses.

Cross Noseband (Grackle Noseband)

A noseband with crossing straps that helps keep the mouth shut and prevents evasion of the bit.

Australian Noseband

Often orange, white or black. A type of noseband that runs from the bit up the forehead to between the ears. Keeps the bit up in the mouth; often used with horses that try to get their tongue over the bit.

Ear Plugs

Used to reduce noise for nervous or highly-strung horses; can help them settle in the preliminaries or at the start.

Boots

Worn by the horse to protect their legs when jumping and help to prevent knocks and cuts.

Tongue Strap/Tongue Tie

A strap or tie used to keep the tongue in place, preventing it from slipping back and obstructing the airway and sometimes giving the jockey more control.

Visor

Similar to blinkers but with a slit in the eye cup, allowing slightly more vision. Often used if a horse needs focus but not total restriction.

Sheepskin Noseband

A fluffy noseband fitted across the nose to alter the horse’s field of vision, encouraging them to lower their head or to concentrate.

cheek pieces

Strips of sheepskin attached to the bridle that focus a horse’s vision, encouraging concentration without being as restrictive as blinkers.

red hood

A full hood fitted before a race to keep the horse calm in the preliminaries and at the start. It is taken off by the handler or starter just before the race begins.

Racing Hood

Usually black but can be any colour other than red. A hood that remains on during the race, covering the ears, to help keep a horse calm and stop it from being too keen or distracted.

Blinkers

A hood with eye cups that limit a horse’s peripheral vision, encouraging them to concentrate on what’s ahead rather than distractions around them.

Ring Bit

A bit with an additional ring that runs around the lower jaw, giving the jockey more control, especially with strong horses.

Cross Noseband (Grackle Noseband)

A noseband with crossing straps that helps keep the mouth shut and prevents evasion of the bit.

Australian Noseband

Often orange, white or black. A type of noseband that runs from the bit up the forehead to between the ears. Keeps the bit up in the mouth; often used with horses that try to get their tongue over the bit.

Ear Plugs

Used to reduce noise for nervous or highly-strung horses; can help them settle in the preliminaries or at the start.

Boots

Worn by the horse to protect their legs when jumping and help to prevent knocks and cuts.

Tongue Strap/Tongue Tie

A strap or tie used to keep the tongue in place, preventing it from slipping back and obstructing the airway and sometimes giving the jockey more control.

Visor

Similar to blinkers but with a slit in the eye cup, allowing slightly more vision. Often used if a horse needs focus but not total restriction.

Sheepskin Noseband

A fluffy noseband fitted across the nose to alter the horse’s field of vision, encouraging them to lower their head or to concentrate.

Testimonials

I go point-to-pointing most weekends, come rain or shine and it’s always a brilliant day out. There’s nothing quite like being up close to the action, seeing the horses and riders at full speed and sharing it all with friends and family. The atmosphere is welcoming, the racing is exciting and every meeting has its own charm. For me, point-to-pointing isn’t just about the sport – it’s about the community and the great days out it brings.

Racegoer

Point-to-pointing is the perfect family day out. There’s something for everyone – exciting racing, beautiful countryside and plenty of space for the kids to run around and enjoy themselves. We love packing a picnic, cheering on the horses and just spending time together. It’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and we always leave with great memories and smiling faces.

Racegoer

Join us for a race day like no other

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