


BY CLAIRE HART
Hart
The early December meeting at Chaddesley Corbett in Worcestershire plays a key role in the fixture list, attracting runners from all over the country.
John Hargreaves explains how “The West Mercian Races” has been formed and the challenges faced by doing so in keeping a fixture going when the previous organisers stepped away.
Hargreaves, originally from East Anglia rode his first winner in 1972 aged 15, he had a point-to-point yard and also rode under rules but sometime later decided a proper job was needed and chose a career within the IT software industry. A move to Herefordshire about twenty years ago following a spell in India led to the discovery of the Welsh borders point-to-point scene with all its wonderful courses. He has been involved with a few horses over the years with Jo Priest, most notably Ballyboker Breeze who Hargreaves co-owned with Phil Rees and now the progressive Kauto No Risk, a winner of four between the flags from eight starts.
As long term point-to-point supporters Hargreaves and Rees had been trying to get a club meeting off the ground for some time in the Welsh borders region without success, Hargreaves explains: “We received a lot of support for this from Jim Squires and the West Mercian committee and we had developed a good working relationship, we continued to work together and discussions took place all summer. We finally got the green light in September for us to rescue the meeting under a new committee.”
It is fair to say putting on a point-to-point without the extended network that a local hunt has to offer seems a huge challenge, however confidence is high that this meeting will be a success and continue to be in the future. Helped by being staged at one of the best point-topoint courses in the country and with a fantastic team of experienced and knowledgeable people organising, one would anticipate it being well supported. Jim Squires, who needs no introduction, has been instrumental within the West Mercian area for years and he is ably assisted by Rees, who like Squires spends all year working tirelessly for the good of our sport. Hargreaves, is also quick to acknowledge the support of Judith Healey, Jane Alfrey and Trish Newman, he said: “Judith, Jane and Trish have been a tremendous help, all with experience of putting on meetings- it’s all the small things that you don’t think of that need to be thought of - their involvement has cut down the learning curve dramatically.”
The big challenge with staging any meeting is the money. For this meeting with no reserves it has been necessary to borrow funding to cover the initial costs. Unlike a spring meeting, the lack of daylight hours means the option of a by Claire
country fayre or an after party to gain additional income is not an option, therefore finding sponsors and raising funds is a necessity. Hargreaves explains: “Very few people are thinking about pointing pre-season so it was tough to get the message across, what we did have though was support and encouragement from grass-roots supporters who could see the importance of making a club fixture happen. We launched a ‘crowdfunding’ page and that has really helped- I knew it was working when people came up to me and offered me hard cash!”
The PPORA put forward a grant which has helped immensely, whilst also demonstrating what a vital part they play within the sport. PPORA representative, Stephanie Jones explains: “PPORA have given grants to fixtures who may be struggling and to new meetings such as this one, we look forward to seeing the fixtures investing the funds and implementing them to maintain their fixtures and enhance the experience for all our participants. We are also thrilled that Spillers and Charles Owen are supporting us this season with prizes in any PPORA race, of which there are two at this meeting. A rug for the winning horse will be given by Spillers and a woolly hat and a bottle to the winning jockey by Charles Owen.”
Hargreaves tells me about securing sponsorship for the meeting: “Sponsorship is vital and we had secured Tattersalls by staging one of the four-year-old only maiden races, Nimrod Veterinary products and Grape Tree Foods have also sponsored races along with well-known owners Clive and Joan Hitchings. Spillers have also joined us in sponsoring the Mixed Open, it is the most valuable race in the early season fixture list awarding the winner £500.” Spillers representative Kay Scrivens tells us more: “As a company we understand how important point-to-pointing is to the racing industry and are pleased to support this new club initiative. It’s always good to see grass-roots participants being rewarded for their success, and at the same time to give the organisers something significant to promote their meeting with.”
The point-to-point community has also been a defining aspect, for example Jo Priest Racing alongside a number
of her owners have sponsored the novice riders race. In keeping with the grass roots theme, the PPA and PPRC have together sponsored the best turned out prize for each race and in addition to a cash prize, each winning groom will receive a VIP subscription to the point-topoint website and a bottle of fizz.
A concern for a new club meeting is finding the volunteers to help with the never-ending list, car parking, fence attendants, the catering but again Hargreaves reports: “The local pointing community has come good with no shortage of people willing to give up their day in order to help.”
We can look forward to a fantastic day on December 8th at Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire DY10 4QT.
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SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2024
By BOB BRACHER
Larkhill on Salisbury Plain hosts the first of its seven scheduled point to point meetings on Sunday 1st December when the Hursley Hambledon holds their fixture. The busiest point to point course in the country with thirteen individual fences including fences 4 and 8 that have been rebuilt since last season is able to race when other courses are waterlogged and following the effects of Storm Bert there are not anticipated to be any problems. The current going report is for good ground.
There are six scheduled races due to start at 12noon with a good entry of 78 horses. The course is well signposted off the A345 and can also be accessed off the A303. There is free parking on the course with the cost of admission being £15 per person and under 16s free. As a special concession Young Farmers, on production of evidence of membership, can be admitted at the reduced cost of £10.In addition to the horse racing there will be food outlets, a bar, trade stands and the bookmakers to have a bet
with. Do wrap up warm and wear suitable clothing for an afternoon on Salisbury Plain and see all the action up close!
The feature race is the Mens Open race sponsored by Ward Thomas Removals over the shorter trip of two and a half miles and this may see the reappearance of the prolific Grace A Vous Enki successful in his five visits to Larkhill last season, including dead heating in the Coronation Gold Cup. Trained by Nicky Sheppard and ridden by James King he will be fancied to start the season with another victory. Of his potential rivals One For Rosie, the winner of two races last season, brings a touch of class, Saint Calvados who will be David Maxwell’s first ride in a point to point since 2018 and is another with high quality form under Rules, and similar comments apply to My Drogo who won four Hurdles when trained by Dan Skelton and is now with Edward Walker. One True King has won eight races under Rules when with Nigel Twiston Davies and now with Bea Coward is an interesting
recruit to pointing. Angels Breath is another with good form under Rules when trained by Sam Thomas. Now with Tim Vaughan he would have each way chances, but the selection is Grace A Vous Enki.
The Ladies Open race sponsored by Moore Barlow has attracted a strong entry of ten horses headed by I K Brunel trained by Alan Hill and to be ridden by his daughter-in-law Izzie. The winner of two races last season he looks the one to beat. Myth Buster always runs well for Lily Bradstock and has had the benefit of a race already this season. Switch Hitter might appreciate the drop into point to pointing and now with Sam Loxton he could find his form again. Diligent won at the course last season for Shannon Holmes and is sure to run well.
The meeting begins with a two and a half Maiden race sponsored by Rural Property Search and of those that have already raced Blackijo Dagrostis trained by Nicky Sheppard, has had the benefit of a race this season and this may prove
decisive. Josh Newman has his stable already in good form and the unraced Five Quarters and the ex-Irish Ted The Thief are worth considering. I Think He Is was fourth at Dunsmore and could well improve on that outing. The unraced He’ll Be Grand trained by Bradley Gibbs, is another to consider in an intriguing race. The Restricted race sponsored by Spraytek/Botley Commercials may be won by Kilfilum Woods trained by Fran Poste. Already the winner of a Maiden at Knightwick this season he could easily follow up under Zak Baker. Bruce Gobbler won a Maiden at Upcott Cross and is on the upgrade. Baunmore Jet won a Maiden in Ireland and is now with Katie Croft. Quickcharge has had some good flashes of form and may be the main danger to Fran Poste’s charge.
SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2024
By PETER BURGON
The Northern Area Point-to-Point season starts on Sunday 1st December with the Border fixture at Hexham Racecourse. It has attracted a total of 80 entries, including plenty of long-distance travellers, on a six race card starting at 12.30pm.
Proceedings kick off with a competitive looking 3m NPPA Area Conditions Race in which seven of the 11 entries are rated 103 and above. The progressive Eagles Rock, who scored with plenty in hand at Overton and Corbridge last season before going down narrowly to Famous Response over course and distance in May, is sure to go close under John Dawson. Others for the shortlist include confirmed front-runner Nick Lost who didn’t see another rival in the 2024 Buccleuch Conditions, last season’s Overton Conditions and 2m4f Hexham hurdles winner Paramaribo (10lb penalty), proven stayer Shantou’s Temple who got off the mark here in May over this trip, ultraconsistent Bintheredonethat who deserves to get his head in front after a string of near misses last term, and 2023 Tynedale Men’s Open winner West Lawn who is better than recent efforts under Rules might suggest.
The 19 entries for the 3m Maiden Race include unraced youngsters Carlenrig, Lovers Rock and Meelick Island. The pick
The Conditions race sponsored by BCM Wilson Hill has attracted seventeen entries including several entered in the two Open races including Myth Buster, Switch Hitter and My Drogo. If any of these opt for this race they would come into the reckoning. Paper Mill won his Intermediate at Dunsmore and this improving eight-yearold is one to follow. Lakota Warrior had a good season last year and now trained by Emma Summersby is one for the short list. The same comment applies to Duc de Bourbon, runner up in a Mixed Open at Dunsmore for Sam Loxton. Pileon had a good season winning at Vauterhill on his final outing and must have each way chances. Paper Mill is the selection.
The meeting ends with the Equestrian Timber Maiden race for which there is also an entry of seventeen horses. The second,
third and fourth from the Maiden Race at Dunsmore, Hardy Buck , Always Force It and Kooky may reoppose and it will be interesting to see if the form is confirmed. The third and fourth from the Maiden race at Knightwick, Illitch and Celtic Harmony are others who will come on for their seasonal debuts. Southfield Scope, a half-brother to the prolific Southfield Theatre was runner up at Upcott Cross and looks a likely winner for his veteran owner Angela Yeoman. Others to note are Free The Lion, placed three times last season, and the two trained by Fran Poste Glancing Hill and Taymount who were both placed last season.
Larkhill Racecourse is to be found 5m NW of Amesbury, Nr A303, A345 and A360 – Postcode SP4 8QR. First race 12 noon Entry Costs on race day £15 per person by cash or card, children under 16 go free.
of the trio could be Warwickshire raider Lovers Rock. Her dam Only For Love had form figures of 3211122 for Nicky Henderson in 2016 and it’s worth noting that Gina Andrew’s only runner so far this season Dropematthestation scored on debut at Knightwick. Joe Wright’s mount Meelick Island was bought by Tony Ross for 12,000 euros at Goffs Land Rover Sale in June 2022.
Of the others, Benefact showed the best form of those in action between the flags last season with a quartet of placed efforts. Nick Orpwood-trained ex-Irish recruit Hendrick’s Girl kept on well in the closing stages when 3rd at Taylorstown in May, Jardin Carre finished a close 3rd on debut over a shorter trip at Eyton-on-Severn in May, She Is The Enemy hinted on more than
one occasion last term that her winning turn is not far away, while South Wales raider Miss Ghillie showed enough promise at Garthorpe and Upcott Cross in 2023 to warrant consideration.
The 12 entries for the 3m Mixed Open Race are headed by former Willie Mullins-trained 126-rated chaser Paul Marvel who formed part of a four-timer for Hannah Roach’s Cheshire yard at Knightwick earlier this month, and this stiffer test of stamina should be right up his street. Possible rivals include proven stayer Wild Romance who collared Bintheredonethat near the line when winning first time out at Alnwick last December, former Stuart Coltherd-trained chaser Deep Charm landed a couple of 3m3f contests on soft ground at Sedgefield last season, former Sam Thomas-trained chaser Angels Breath was rated 151 at his peak in 2019 and should appreciate a big drop in class off level weights, as well as prolific Pointing winner Ballydonagh Boy who invariably makes the running.
Paul Marvel’s stable companion Time Leader is the class act in the 2m4f Ladies Open Race and cannot be opposed. Successful first time out in each of the last three seasons, he was beaten under seven lengths when narrowly missing the frame in the 2023 and 2024 Aintree Foxhunters
and when 3rd to Sine Nomine in the 2024 Cheltenham Foxhunters. The other 10 entries include the aforementioned Ballydonagh Boy, 2023 Berwickshire Ladies Open and 2024 Zetland Ladies Open winner Fightfortheroses who has shown his best form on good ground, and former 148-rated chaser Killer Clown who provided Newcastle University student Daisy White with a memorable first winner in the 2m4f Grass Roots Riders Conditions Race at Knightwick.
After a long losing run in his previous yard, Rewritetherules struck gold on his first start for Hannah Roach at Knightwick when sauntering home 18 lengths ahead of The Composeur and a repeat performance is on the cards when the duo cross swords again in the 2m4f Conditions Race (11 entries). 2024 Berwickshire Maiden winner Something Golden along with the aforementioned Shantou’s Temple and Killer Clown are possible rivals, as well as a trio who have all won under Rules. South West Wales raider Chilinlikeavillain landed a 2m4f Southwell Maiden Hurdle for Dan Skelton in March 2023 and has the benefit of a recent Knightwick outing in his locker, 132-rated Givega won three of five hurdling starts for Gary Moore and raced against the likes of Grey Dawning and Knappers Hill
in 2023, while former Gary Moore-trained 122-rated chaser Zhiguli recorded all five career wins (three chases & two hurdles) on soft or heavy ground.
The concluding 2m4f Maiden Race has 16 entries. It may chiefly concern unraced 4-year-old geldings Jack The Lad (John Dawson) and Panjandrum (Jack Andrews) who are both sure to be cherry ripe and done plenty of schooling. Dawson won the corresponding contest in November 2022 on debutante Cherie D’Am and is hoping to take the trophy back home again, while Panjandrum’s full brother Mischievous Mick landed a Chepstow Bumper on debut for Paul Nicholls in April 2022.
The drop in trip might suit Taymount (also entered at Larkhill) who was prominent for a long way at Dunsmore earlier in the month, while others to note are All Ways And Ever, Kirsch De Cotte and Hollywood Harmon. In addition, well related newcomer Five Quarters (another Larkhill entry) would be a first Northern Area runner for in-form Somerset-based trainer Josh Newman.
Admission is £15 per person including a racecard, with under 16s free (Cash only at the gate). Hexham Racecourse is well signposted from the A69 and the post code is NE46 2JP.
Glenmount
Photo: Will Milburn
BY JAKE EXELBY,
28-year-old James King was champion jockey for the third time last season, a round total of 50 winners taking his career tally to 238, plus 50 under rules. From Rodborough, near Stroud in Gloucestershire, and son of the former racing post journalist Andrew, James rode his first winner aged 17 – on Presentandcorrect for Tim Sage at Lockinge on Easter Monday 2013 – and was champion amateur under rules four years later, when his victories included the Aintree Foxhunters on Dineur. He now works part-time for Stratford-upon-Avon trainer Olly Murphy, riding out for him five or six days a week alongside his point-to-point commitments, and lives at nearby Gaydon with partner Sophie and their two-year-old son Charlie. Jake Exelby spoke to him before the new campaign to see if he expects to win a fourth title between the flags.
Who have been your favourites horses of all time? Why?
In recent years, it would be Rose Iland and Spencer Moon, who effectively won me the championship in 2022. I won six races on Spencer Moon when he was 14 and 15 and he was so consistent – you knew he’d always run well.
Who was your favourite horse (last season)? Why?
Grace A Vous Enki, obviously! He went on quite a journey – I thought he’d win a couple, but not be leading horse. He also ticked off the last race on my point-to-point bucket list, the Coronation Cup. I believe I’m the only jockey to have won all four Classics.
How did you come by the mount on him?
I’m friendly with Stan Sheppard (trainer Nickie Sheppard’s son) and play cricket with him. I just rang up for the ride and the rest is history…
Looking back to the start of the season, what were your expectations?
I had every intention of being champion again, but didn’t expect it to happen – I just hoped it would go as well as it could. But I soon had the bit between my teeth and everything clicked into place.
When did you think that you had a chance of winning the title and were there any moments – after taking the lead – when you thought you wouldn’t win?
Every time Will (Biddick, who finished second to James) and I locked horns, we both seemed to ride a couple of
winners and it was nip and tuck for a while but I kept holding my lead, even though Will was chipping away at it – he’s a fierce competitor who never backs down. I thought it might be possible in January or February, as I traditionally have a strong end to the season, and I’d never had such a good start as I did last year – in the previous season, I wasn’t converting seconds and thirds into winners and think I had more placings than any other jockey.
Who were the other key trainers you rode for in your title bid and how will they be supporting you next season?
Max Comley should have about a dozen pointers, Julie Wadland has a handful of nice horses and Luke Price has a lot of exciting ones. He didn’t train as many winners last season – he put quite a few away for this year – but still had a really good strike rate.
Which horse are you most looking forward to riding next season?
Julie’s Glenmount (owned by PPA Chief Executive Paul Miller) is an exciting horse who may shape into a Hunter Chaser. The Intermediate Final at Cheltenham may be a target if he keeps progressing. For Luke, Lavorante and Mister Bezi, who could be the best of his. He won a Cotley Maiden as he liked, five seconds faster than the Mens Open (won by the useful Macklin), then had a confidence boosting win at Peper Harow after a fall at Howick, which came too quickly after his first win.
Which horse (not one of your current mounts) would you most like to ride next season?
Ihandaya – trained, like Grace A Vous Enki, by Nickie Sheppard. A beautiful, strong, uncomplicated, old-fashioned chaser who looks very good. The world seems to be his oyster at the moment and who knows where he’ll end up?
Tell me about the threats you think Will and other jockeys will pose to your title next season
Everyone starts the season with a blank! Will is consistent year in, year out, Jack Andrews had a stop-start season and should be a threat and Ed Vaughan had a great first year. He was so young (just 16) at the start but matured and grew throughout the campaign. He’s made it more difficult for me to win races in Wales (!) and he could be a champion in years to come.
What are your ambitions in pointing?
To keep on riding well and riding winners, which gives me a great buzz. It would be great if I could get near Will’s career total (which is 599 at the time of writing), as I’ve had getting on for 200 winners in the last four years, but it’s unrealistic to think about that yet, so I’ll just keep my head down and keep going. I want Charlie to look back and be proud of me, although I can’t see myself keeping going long enough for him to ride against me!
Have you ever thought about turning professional?
There was a time when I thought about it, but it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond and to be able to ride some of the best horses.
What, other than injury, would make you retire?
When I don’t feel I’m riding at my best, I’ll stop. I need to keep doing my best for the owners and trainers I ride for.
What will you miss most about it? And least?
I’ll miss the buzz of riding, the winners and going racing. I won’t miss the disappointment of getting beaten!
What are your favourite courses?
Lydstep was a favourite. It’s a jockey’s course, with sharp bends and the best horse didn’t always win there. I’ve had a lot of success at Chaddesley Corbett. The racing there is quality but you still have to ride the bends! It’s also local to me.
Which trainers (that you don’t ride for) do you admire and why?
Gina and Tom Ellis not only have volume and scale, but they achieve great results week in, week out. Their horses already look great and run well and the results speak for themselves. I know I ride Grace A Vous Enki, but I must mention Nickie Sheppard. She’s got fewer than ten horses, but mixes it with the bigger yards and is very good at placing her horses.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d limit Conditions races to one per card – they dilute the racing as the conditions aren’t strict enough, so the same horse can be entered in more than one race, which detracts from the Mens and Ladies Opens.
What do you love most about pointing?
The friendly atmosphere. It’s a great day out with family and friends.
HEXHAM 01/12/2024
12:30 THE NPPA AREA CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Nick Lost (FR) (107) Eagles Rock (IRE) (106) Kingrullah (IRE) (106) Bintheredonethat (IRE) (100) Shantou’s Temple (GB) (100) Paramaribo (IRE) (98)
1:00 THE MAIDEN RACE (NWFAA): She Is The Enemy (IRE) (103) Benefact (IRE) (98) Notnowbob (IRE) (84) First Time Caller (IRE) (78)
1:30 THE MIXED OPEN RACE: Wild Romance (IRE) (131) Ballydonagh Boy (IRE) (123) Paul Marvel (FR) (115) Bintheredonethat (IRE) (107)
2:00 THE LADIES OPEN RACE: Time Leader (IRE) (147) Ballydonagh Boy (IRE) (130) Kingrullah (IRE) (120) Fightfortheroses (IRE) (116)
2:30 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Rewritetherules (IRE) (108) Red Opium (GB) (107) Shantou’s Temple (GB) (100) Something Golden (IRE) (98)
3:00 THE MAIDEN RACE: Hollywood Harmon (IRE) (93) Taymount (GB) (81) First Time Caller (IRE) (78) Kirsch de Cotte (FR) (74)
LARKHILL 01/12/2024
12:00 THE RURAL PROPERTY SEARCH FOUR AND FIVE YEARS OLD MAIDEN YOUNG HORSE SERIES RACE: Blackijo Dagrostis (FR) (80) Full Send (GB) (71) Heart of Courage (IRE) (65) Good Boy Eric (GB) (63)
12:35 THE MOORE BARLOW LADIES OPEN RACE: I K Brunel (GB) (126) Myth Buster (IRE) (120) Diligent (FR) (118) Millbank Flyer (IRE) (107)
1:10 THE WARD THOMAS REMOVALS MENS OPEN RACE: Grace A Vous Enki (FR) (122) One For Rosie (GB) (112) Rewritetherules (IRE) (108) Tekap (FR) (100)
1:45 THE BOTLEY COMMERCIALS/SPRAYTEK RESTRICTED RACE: Kilfilum Woods (IRE) (104) Quickcharge (GB) (99) Bruce Gobbler (GB) (80) Potters Magic (IRE) (78)
2:20 THE BCM WILSON HILL CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Lakota Warrior (IRE) (116) Paper Mill (GB) (108) Premier d’Troice (FR) (108) Duc de Bourbon (FR) (105) Myth Buster (IRE) (101)
2:55 THE EQUESTRIAN FENCING AND TIMBER LTD MAIDEN RACE: Hardy Buck (IRE) (100) Always Force It (IRE) (96) Kooky (FR) (94) Free The Lion (IRE) (88)
12:00 1. MISTLETOE (GB) W. Biddick 7-4 2. MRS PEN (IRE) J. Bament 5-4F 3. JACK ODDSOCKS (IRE) Miss A. Johnston 5-1 (6 ran).
The remainder of the card was abandoned due to continued rain making the course unfit for racing.
SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 2024
By MIKE DROWNE
STORM BERT finally got the better of us at soggy and windy Great Trethew where racing had to be abandoned after just one race which was a Point to Point Flat Race over two miles for four and five-yearolds only.
For the record It was the Will Biddick ridden five-year-old mare Mistletoe who skated best in the mud down the hill to beat the favourite Mrs Pen (Jake Bament), with Jack Oddsocks (Anna Johnston) a promising third.
Winning trainer Danni Kenealy said, “They hacked around but that was more a state of the course. Mistletoe will be for sale. I am pleased for the owners who are proper racing people and Mistletoe is a home bred so that win would have meant a lot to the owners.
That is the second winner that Will has ridden for me that is by Linda’s Lad.
Will was pleased and said she has the size and would jump a fence doing forward.
Her dam, Stillhertoes, goes back to triple pointing winner On Your Toes.
“The horses were having a job to get a foothold in the loose ground down the hill,” reported senior jockeys and with the situation getting worse, it was no surprise to see the rest of the card called off.
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAY DATE
N Border Hexham Sunday 01 December 2024
W Hursley Hambledon Larkhill Sunday 01 December 2024
WM The Wheatland Chaddesley Corbett Sunday 08 December 2024
D&C Cornwall Club Wadebridge Sunday 08 December 2024
W New Forest Larkhill Sunday 15 December 2024
N Ratcheugh Racing Club Alnwick Sunday 15 December 2024
WM Harkaway Club Chaddesley Corbett
29 December 2024
EA Thurlow Horseheath Tuesday 31 December 2024
W Larkhill Racing Club Larkhill Sunday 05 January 2025
N West Percy Alnwick Sunday 05 January 2025
EA Dunston Harriers Ampton Sunday 12 January 2025
D&C North Cornwall Wadebridge Sunday 12 January 2025
Y Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club Sheriff Hutton Sunday 12 January 2025
W Royal Artillery Larkhill Saturday 18 January 2025
MID South Wold Revesby Park Saturday 18 January 2025
N Jedforest Friars Haugh Sunday 19 January 2025
EA Cambridgeshire with Enfield Chace Horseheath Sunday 26 January 2025
SM Heythrop Cocklebarrow Sunday 26 January 2025
N Percy Alnwick Sunday 26 January 2025
D&C Tiverton Foxhounds Chipley Park Sunday 26 January 2025
MID Melton Club Garthorpe Sunday 02 February 2025
W South Dorset Milborne St Andrew Sunday 02 February 2025
SE South East Club Charing Sunday 02 February 2025
Y York & Ainsty and West of Yore Askham Bryan Sunday 02 February 2025
MID Brocklesby Brocklesby Park Saturday 08 February 2025
N Berwickshire Races Friars Haugh Sunday 09 February 2025
EA Waveney Harriers Higham Sunday 09 February 2025
W Combined Services Larkhill Sunday 16 February 2025
EA Puckeridge & Essex Horseheath Sunday 16 February 2025
Y Sinnington Duncombe Park Sunday 16 February 2025
D&C South Pool Harriers Buckfastleigh Sunday 16 February 2025
SAND Kimblewick (February) Kingston Blount Saturday 22 February 2025
N College Valley & North Northumberland Alnwick Sunday 23 February 2025
MID Cottesmore Garthorpe Sunday 23 February 2025
W Countryside Alliance Club (Wessex) Badbury Rings Sunday 23 February 2025
WALES Curre & Llangibby Howick Sunday 23 February 2025
SE South East Club Charing Sunday 23 February 2025
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAY DATE
Y Middleton Sheriff Hutton Sunday 06 April 2025
D&C Spooners & West Dartmoor Cherrybrook Sunday 06 April 2025
SAND Vine & Craven Kingston Blount Sunday 06 April 2025
Y Bedale Hornby Castle Saturday 12 April 2025
W Cattistock Chilfrome Saturday 12 April 2025
WM Croome & West Warwickshire Shelfield Park Saturday 12 April 2025
WALES Llangeinor Pentyrch Ystradowen Saturday 12 April 2025
SE Old Surrey & Burstow and West Kent Penshurst Saturday 12 April 2025
SM Bicester with Whaddon Chase Edgcote Sunday 13 April 2025
N Overton Races Overton Sunday 13 April 2025
D&C Silverton Dunsmore Sunday 13 April 2025
EA Essex & Suffolk Higham Friday 18 April 2025
D&C Flete Park RacesDartmoor Foxhounds Flete Park Saturday 19 April 2025
SM Kimblewick (Easter) Kimble Saturday 19 April 2025
WM North Staffordshire Sandon Saturday 19 April 2025
MID Pytchley with Woodland Dingley Saturday 19 April 2025
W Seavington Cotley Saturday 19 April 2025
WM Worcestershire Chaddesley Corbett Saturday 19 April 2025
D&C Four Burrow Trebudannon Monday 21 April 2025
WM North Cotswold Paxford Monday 21 April 2025
SM Old Berkshire Lockinge Monday 21 April 2025
WM South Shropshire Eyton on Severn Monday 21 April 2025
W Taunton Vale Foxhounds and Taunton Vale Harriers Cothelstone Monday 21 April 2025
N Tynedale Corbridge Monday 21 April 2025
WM Berkeley Woodford Saturday 26 April 2025
SE Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray Parham Saturday 26 April 2025
N Fife Pusk Saturday 26 April 2025
MID Quorn Garthorpe Saturday 26 April 2025
D&C Axe Vale Stafford Cross Sunday 27 April 2025
D&C Flete Park RacesTotnes & Bridgetown Racing Co Ltd Flete Park Saturday 03 May 2025
SE Mid Surrey Farmers Godstone Saturday 03 May 2025
W Devon & Somerset South Hill Sunday 04 May 2025
MID Fernie Dingley Sunday 04 May 2025
WM North Shropshire Eyton on Severn Monday 05 May 2025
D&C Stevenstone Vauterhill Monday 05 May 2025
SM Warwickshire Mollington Monday 05 May 2025
Y Zetland Witton Castle Monday 05 May 2025
W Minehead Harriers and West Somerset Holnicote Saturday 10 May 2025
Y DerwentScarborough Races Charm Park Sunday 11 May 2025
D&C Eggesford Upcott Cross Sunday 11 May 2025
SM Kimblewick (May) Kingston Blount Sunday 11 May 2025
W Weston & Banwell and West Somerset Vale Cothelstone Wednesday 14 May 2025
N Haydon Hexham Saturday 17 May 2025
SE Surrey Union Peper Harow Saturday 17 May 2025
D&C Dulverton West Bratton Down Sunday 18 May 2025
SM Grafton Edgcote Sunday 18 May 2025
WM Knutsford Races Club Tabley Sunday 18 May 2025
MID Fitzwilliam (Milton) Dingley Saturday 24 May 2025
Wales Welsh International Ffynnondruidion Saturday 24 May 2025
SM Berks & Bucks Draghounds Kingston Blount Sunday 25 May 2025
D&C Exmoor Bratton Down Sunday 25 May 2025
WM Albrighton & Woodland Chaddesley Corbett Monday 26 May 2025
D&C South Tetcott Upcott Cross Monday 26 May 2025
D&C Tiverton Staghounds Bratton Down Sunday 01 June 2025
D&C Torrington Farmers Umberleigh Saturday 07 June 2025
ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE YOU CAN FIND SOME EARLY SEASON LEADERBOARDS.
• Goffs Ladies’ Champion Jockey
• Tattersalls Jockey Club Sales Men’s Champion Jockey
• Highflyer Bloodstock Leading Ladies’ Novice Rider
• Highflyer Bloodstock Leading Men’s Novice Rider
• Foran Equine Champion Trainer
• Foran Equine Leading Trainer (6-14 horses)
• Oriental Club Leading Trainer (5 horses or fewer)
• Point-to-Point Racing Company Leading Owner
• Connolly’s Red Mills Champion Horse
In the event of a tie in any category, the winner will be decided by second placings. If it is still tied, third, then fourth placings will decide the winner. Walkovers will again not count towards any National Championship in 2024-25.
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GO POINTING GO POINTING GO POINTING