Point-to-point racing is a form of horse racing over jumps for amateur riders. The race days are run at local level between November and June by a hunt or a recognised club, under the jurisdiction of the Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association and the Point-to-Point Authority. The sport is overseen by The Jockey Club.
The sport of pointing, as it is also known, dates back to 1836 when hunting men used to race their horses from church steeple to church steeple — hence the name “point-to-point”. The link between these two country sports remain strong to this day.
A local meeting is invariably an interesting, sociable day out. Along with the excitement of hotly contested racing and the opportunity of tax-free betting, most have trade stands, a licensed bar, refreshments and a hound parade. Some meetings include flat races for ponies too.
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