What Is Point To Point Racing? |
What Is Point To Point Racing?
Point-to-Point racing is amateur horseracing over fences for hunting horses. It has been created to be a fun addition to the UK hunting season.
Horses running in Point-to-Points must be registered thoroughbreds, except in Hunt Members races and certain other Club Members races. The horses have to obtain a certificate (Hunter Certificate) from a Master of Foxhounds stating that they have hunted for at least 4 days in the season, in addition the Riders must obtain a certificate from the Hunt Secretary.
How far are the races?
Point-to-Point Regulations in the UK require all races to be run over 3 miles, but there are exceptions. Certain important races are run over longer distances, e.g. The Lady Dudley Cup (3 miles 2 furlongs) and the Heythrop Mens Open (4 miles). Maiden races for young horses (aged 4 to 7) can be run over 2 miles 4 furlongs or 2 miles 5 furlongs.
A 3 mile race is almost invariably two circuits of a typical Point-to-Point course although there are one or two exceptions (e.g. Larkhill in Wiltshire). Every course must have a minimum number of fences and at least two fences must have ditches (this is usually one fence that is jumped twice).
How high are the fences and what are they made of?
The fences should be approximately 4 feet 3 inches high and are made of birch, broom or spruce. On the whole they are at least 10 yards in width. The first fence in any race must be not less than 14 yards wide.
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This article was written by Charis Alexandra on Monday, March 16th, 2009 for Horse Searchers
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