NATIONAL
NEWS
THE JOCKEY CLUB MARES MAIDEN SERIES
The first three mares in any Mares Maiden race sponsored by The Jockey Club will qualify for the PPORA National Champion Novice mare award.
Whilst Mares may score points in ANY Point-to-Point or Hunter Chase during the 2012/2013 season which is run PRIOR to the PPORA AGM in 2013, the mare must be placed in the first three in one of The Jockey Club Mares Maiden races during the season to be eligible for the National Champion Novice mare award.
Points will be awarded as follows:
Maiden Race 1st – 4pts 2nd – 2pts 3rd – 1pts
Restricted Race 1st – 5pts 2nd – 3pts 3rd – 1pts
Any other Point-to-Point 1st– 6pts 2nd– 4pts 3rd– 2pts
Hunter Chase 1st – 10pts 2nd – 6pts 3rd – 4pts
THE JOCKEY CLUB BONUS
In addition to the above award, the Mares Maiden Series (Steeple Trophy) Winner is eligible for The Jockey Club's prize money bonus as follows:
The total prize money won by the connections of the Mares Maiden Series winner on her first run at any of The Jockey Club's racecourses*, subsequent to winning the award, will be mirrored by a 'Bonus payment' for the same amount paid direct by Jockey Club Racecourses to the Owners, up to a maximum of £10,000.
The Jockey Club bonus applies only to the mare's first run at one of The Jockey Club's racecourses subsequent to winning the award and does not apply to any future runs.
The double prize money bonus will be paid on all prize money, not just for a win.
Further distribution of the bonus payment is at owner's discretion (i.e. Trainer/Jockey share).
There is a three year limit on the bonus potential, defined as three years from the date of the last qualifying race in the relevant Mares Maiden Series.
In the event of joint winners of the Mares Maiden Series the available bonus will be split equally amongst the winning horses.
To activate the bonus, the connections of the Mares Maiden Series (Steeple Trophy) winner should contact Richard Norris via 020 7611 1800 before their first run at a Jockey Club Racecourses track.
THE BONHAMS MEN'S OPEN RACE POINT-TO-POINT RACE SERIES
The Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) is pleased to announce the inclusion of "The 2013 Bonhams Men's Open Race Point-to-Point Race Series" in the 2013 Point-to-Point Calendar.
Bonhams, a privately owned British Auction House, which is one of the oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques, is delighted to join forces with Point-to-Pointing and link its name to a prestigious Men's Open Race Series.
The Series comprises of fifteen qualifying races culminating in a Hunter Chase Final at the home of National Hunt Racing and the prestigious "Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup", Cheltenham Racecourse, on Wednesday, 1st May 2013.
The final is 3m 2 1/2f Hunter Chase with a total prize fund of £7,500 for five yrs old and upwards which, during the current season and prior to April 25th, 2013, have won a Men's Open Point-to-Point Steeple Chase, or have been placed first, second or third in a Bonhams Sponsored Men's' Open Point-to-Point Qualifier.
David Johnson, Head of Marketing at Bonhams says:
"Bonhams is delighted to support the Men's Open Point-to-Point series for the first time, and looks forward to what promises to be an exciting final at Cheltenham in May. Bonhams has a strong countrywide presence which offers access to an international business operating in 27 countries on five continents"
Lucy Tucker, Executive of the PPA says:
"We are extremely pleased to welcome Bonhams as a National Sponsor to Point-to-Pointing. They make a welcome and exciting addition to the existing sponsors and by staging their Championship Final Hunter Chase at Cheltenham will also help to realize many people's ambition and dream to have a runner and maybe a winner at the racecourse".
The sponsored races are in the lead up to the Final are:
27th January - The Jedforest Hunt Point-to-Point at Friar's Haugh
3rd February - The South Dorset Hunt Point-to-Point at Milbourne St Andrew
10th February - The Southdown & Eridge Hunt Point-to-Point at Godstone
17th February - The Percy Hunt Point-to-Point at Alnwick
24th February - The Countryside Alliance (Wessex) Point-to-Point at Badbury Rings
3rd March - The South Hereford Hunt Point-to-Point at Garnons
9th March - The Kingston Blount Racing Club Point-to-Point at Kingston Blount
10th March - The Suffolk Hunt Point-to-Point at Ampton
16th March - The Curre & Llangibby Hunt Point-to-Point at Howick
17th March - The Holderness Hunt at Dalton Park
30th March - The North Staffordshire Hunt at Sandon
1st April - The South Notts Hunt at Thorpe
7th April - The Cheshire Forest Hunt at Tabley
13th April - The Ludlow Hunt at Bitterley
21st April - The Quorn Hunt at Garthorpe
1st May - The Bonhams Men's Open Point-to-Point Championship Final Hunters' Steeple Chase at Cheltenham Racecourse
Details of the final:
THE BONHAMS MEN'S OPEN POINT-TO-POINT CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL HUNTERS' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4), CHELTENHAM RACECOURSE MAY (EVENING) MEETING 1ST MAY 2013
Total Prize Fund £7500, Distributed in accordance with Schedule (F) 9.6.2, (Includes a fourth prize). £4367 to the winning horse, The second to receive £1354, the third £676 and the fourth £338
For five yrs old and upwards which, during the current season and prior to April 25th, 2013, have won a Men's Open Point-to-Point Steeple Chase, or have been placed first, second or third in a Bonhams Sponsored Men's' Open Point-to-Point Qualifier (In the event of the abandonment of a qualifier, any horse which had been declared to run in that race under Regulation 111, will be qualified to enter the Final)
- THREE MILES ABOUT TWO AND A HALF FURLONGS
- Enter by noon, April 25th and pay £35 stake
- Declare by 10.00 a.m. April 30th
- Weights: 11st 10lb each
- Mares allowed 7lb
- Penalties after 2011, a winner of a steeple chase 4lb
- Of 2 steeple chases, or of a Class 1 or 3 steeple chase 8lb
- To be ridden by Gentlemen Amateur Riders who have ridden in a Point-to-Point Steeple Chase in Great Britain during the current season
- Presentations will be made to the winning owner, trainer and rider and a £100 award given to the person in charge of the best turned out horse in this race.
- The British Horseracing Authority has modified Rule (F) 102 and Rule (F) 103 and Part J of Schedule (F) 8 of the Rules of Racing for the purposes of this race and, if elimination is necessary, those horses which have been placed first or second in a Bonhams qualifier during the current Point-to-Point season will, as far as possible, not be eliminated.
RACING PLUS TO CARRY NEW WEEKLY POINT-TO-POINT SECTION
The Point-to-Point Authority is delighted to announce that Racing Plus, the weekly Racing newspaper, will carry a new Point-to-Point section to coincide with the start of the season on Saturday, November 24. Racing Plus is published every Saturday which is particularly timely given that the bulk of Point-to-Point fixtures are staged at the weekend. The comprehensive pull-out section will contain entries, results, previews, reports, stats and features from the Point-to-Point world.
Simon Claisse, Chairman of the Point-to-Point Authority, said: "I cannot begin to tell you how pleasing it is that we have come to an agreement with Racing Plus which ensures that the sport of Point-to-Pointing receives the extensive coverage it so richly deserves. National media coverage is of paramount importance - not just for the thousands of Point-to-Point enthusiasts around the country, but also for the growth and development of the sport. We totally recognise the inherent need, in the battle for the leisure pound, to reach out to new audiences and attract fresh blood to the sport. The partnership that Racing Plus has with Racing UK delivers significant invaluable benefits which will include the promotion of Point-to-Point meetings through the channel, prior to the weekend's racing, and general promotion of the sport to Racing UK's burgeoning subscriber base."
The Saturday 24th November edition will carry entries for the first meetings of the season at Black Forest Lodge and Cottenham on Sunday and also preview the season with input from the leading names in Point-to-Pointing.
Chris Smith, the editor of Racing Plus, said: "Point-to-Point enthusiasts will be fully catered for by our comprehensive pull-out, which will include cards, form, results and editorial, and we look forward to hopefully welcoming plenty of new readers to Racing Plus."
Racing Plus re-launched in February with fresh design and content, including columns from Channel 4 and Racing UK's Nick Luck, the razor-sharp James Willoughby and At The Races' Robert Cooper. The flagship betting service Valueplus was another new addition to the team and is showing a very healthy profit.
The newspaper, which is on sale for £1.20 every Saturday, also features full colour racecards in time-order for all the weekend's racing in Britain and Ireland, and comprehensive tipping and form analysis.
HARLEY EQUESTRIAN TO HELP FIRST TIME POINT-TO-POINT RIDERS
Long standing Point-to-Point Novice Rider sponsors, Harley Equestrian (www.harleyracing.net) have announced a new initiative working in conjunction with the PPA.
Harley are generously donating a £10 voucher and are offering a 10% discount to all Point-to-Point Riders applying for their Riders Qualification Certificate (RQC) for the first time. Tracey Habgood, Owner of Harley, explained "we fully appreciate it is tough for new riders to get started and that a lot of Race Riding equipment is required. Our new idea gives a little help at the start of their riding career and we wish all new riders the very best of luck for the coming season".
Vouchers are being sent out by the PPA office in conjunction with successful RQC's. For further information contact the PPA office: info@p2pa.co.uk or telephone 01285 841920
Ready for the off as AGA sponsors the £10,000 Ladies' Open Point-to-Point Championship for third year running
AGA is returning for a third season as the national sponsor of the AGA Ladies' Open Point-to-Point Series, this year with
prize money totalling £10,000.
This season there will be 34 AGA sponsored ladies' open races, which will also be qualifiers for the AGA Ladies' Open Point-to-Point Championship Final (Hunters' Chase), which will be held at Stratford-on-Avon on Friday June 7th.
The first three in each of the 34 races will qualify for the final, as well as the winner of every other ladies' open race that takes place up to and including June 1st. The switch to the Stratford course will also see a change in the race distance, which will now be run over 3m 4f.
The season will also see the return of the popular and exciting championship for lady riders – the AGA iTotal Control Lady Riders' Championship, in which the prize for the winning rider will again be a brand new AGA iTotal Control cooker. The best five scores will count towards the championship, with points earned in the final counting double.
William McGrath, Chief Executive of AGA Rangemaster Group, said: "The championship offers the chance to celebrate the achievements of the very best lady riders and we're very excited to be involved for the third year running.
"AGA are delighted that Stratford-on-Avon have agreed to stage our prestigious final. The course has very strong links with point-to-point and we are looking forward to an exciting evening of racing next June. We will be working closely with the team at Stratford during the coming months to ensure everything is in place to facilitate another thrilling climax to our series and also to our AGA iTotal Control Lady Riders' Championship."
Stephen Lambert, MD and Clerk of the course, said: "The AGA final is a perfect fit for this meeting. Four top class hunter chases and three valuable handicaps for professional riders will provide a supreme mix of excellence both for the point-to-point world and the racing public. The 34 AGA point-to-point qualifiers will further strengthen the relationship between hunt racing and Stratford's championship day."
The AGA Ladies' Open Point-to-Point Championship gets under way on November 25th at Cottenham and climaxes on June 7th with the final at Stratford-on-Avon. For the final, prize money of £10,000 will be at stake – £7,500 put up by AGA and £2,500 by the course itself.
Point-to-Point Season 2012-2013 Preview
by Emma Forman
The new Point-to-Point season is just weeks away and there is an air of expectation in stables across the country. This is surely the best time of year; nothing has had chance to go wrong yet, no bubbles have been burst and everyone's ugly ducklings could still be swans. During the last few weeks I have been asking people involved with the sport what they are looking forward to in the months ahead.
Danny Ablott (Judge and Paddock Steward) – I am once again looking forward to my judging and paddock stewarding duties. At the Brocklesby meeting I act as a paddock steward alongside Geoff Hunter; it will be his 50th year in the job. Also helping out will be 17 year old Digby Sowerby who joined our team last season and is probably the youngest paddock steward around!
Louise Allan (Jockey) – I can't wait for the new season to start. I am already training myself as I need to be fitter than all those young girls snapping at my heels! Hopefully I will be back on some of the "Turner Stars" and with a bit of luck we will get some proper jumping ground this season.
Johnny Bailey (Jockey) – I can't wait for the new season! However, I am not looking forward to losing the weight. The horse I am particularly looking forward to is Grumbler's Holt and of course I am looking forward to the laughs in the changing rooms!
Harry Bannister (Jockey) – I have now come to the end of school so I am able to ride out every day, being between Easterby's and Nick Saville's currently. This is great as I hope to gain more rides and experience. A horse I am very much looking forward to is Mr Gossip. His campaign last year was very short having started in May and luck was not on his side in three runs. He is extremely talented and I am sure there will be a lot of improvement from him.
Dickie Barrett (Jockey) – I am looking forward to riding open horses only as I have a "proper job" now and anymore falls would make me seriously uglier than I am already! I am Equine Manager at Woodhall Stud for Andrew Cohen, looking after all his pre-trainers and youngsters,
Chloe Boxall (Jockey) – I am looking forward to riding Armoury House for Anna Reed and also a bit of banter with the other girls.
Charlotte Brader (Yorkshire PRO and Announcer) – I married Lee Russell in September so I will be Mrs Russell next season! Of course I am looking forward to it; I will be announcing and doing press work once again. There is one horse in particular that I am looking forward to, but I will check on its progress before mentioning a name!
Tom Chatfeild-Roberts (Jockey) – I am now studying at the Royal Veterinary College but I am also looking forward to riding next season. We have acquired two new horses over the summer; Bench Warrant from Charlie Mann who is a 9 year old and has been running over fences and Curnalee Coleen from Doncaster Sales who is a 6 year old mare and won a mare's Maiden in Ireland. Both are being trained by my Aunt, Helen Connors, as well as Limerick Leader and her Django who are now 15 and 14 years old respectively. I guess that I am looking forward to a few nice rides on them but won't be making any predictions as we are too superstitious!
Dicky Collinson (Jockey) – I am looking forward to Mr Ward's horse Rock Of Braga who won his Maiden by 57 lengths around Garthorpe last May. Also I am looking forward to the thought of charging over fences alongside my lunatic partner, Jack Day.
Jacqui Coward (Jockey) – I can't wait to get going and riding Amicelli; even when it is horrid weather, rain or snow, he always makes me smile. A lovely little fella called Pevensey is pretty exciting; he won at Royal Ascot in 2007 and has had his problems hence the reason why I have him. However, if we get a smooth run we should have some fun with him! My first Point- to- Point will be Sheriff Hutton; I love the track, it is so fair. It's fantastic that AGA are back to sponsor the Ladies series which adds so much more fun to the season!
Jack Day (Jockey) – I am always keen! (It might be nice to remember what winning felt like though!) Barrington Bolt is back looking great and Quirky Kirky has managed to grow again, so very excited about those two. The only snag could be finding a man brave enough to lead up Quirky! I would really just like to remain sane and sound enough to ride them. Passing my Vet Medicine finals at Cambridge would then be an added bonus. I have enjoyed the course and the benefit of Cambridge is that it is handy for Newmarket.
Sam Davies-Thomas (Jockey) – I can't wait for the new season now. I am looking forward to getting back on Onetokeep from Jimmy Tarry's yard; he won his Maiden and Hunt race last year. Also Zacharova could be good if he behaves himself and a Maiden called Joe Kirk who is owned by Margaret Moody. He ran twice last year, he was very backward and will improve. I am also looking forward to being back in the changing rooms with the lads; there is never a dull moment!
Mark Fettes (Photographer in the Midlands Area) – I am looking forward to a full calendar that isn't blighted by meets being rained off, snowed off, frozen out or baked away – you didn't say anything about being realistic! On a slightly more serious note it would be nice to see the number of entrants back up, they've been tailing off a bit in the last two seasons.
Sally Finney (Stallholder "Sally's Sporting Seats") I will continue to cover as many Point- to- Points as possible. I love following the local trainer's horses coming out that have qualified locally. Also I like watching the homebred children coming through the pony racing and improving each year, for instance Tom Broughton from the Brocklesby. Plus I like to catch up with my regular customers who have now created a bit of a cult following for Sally's Sporting Seats.
Christy Furness (Jockey) – I have two horses for next season. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to try and have my first winner. Mum won in her first ever race so I'm a bit behind that but I've decided if I have a winner this season I'll be more than happy. Oh and I am looking forward to a big party afterwards!
Jeremy Grayson (Correspondent and Form Expert) – I am looking forward to the reappearance of Blarney Highwayman for Mike and Jill Dawson. Other than the first Thorpe and the Brocklesby, I don't think the Open races in the Midlands area are going to be as strong as in recent years in 2013, just because a few of the area stalwarts have either retired or are quite aged now. He wouldn't have to improve much to mop up a good few of those. Blarney Highwayman's improvement over the summer may prove to be more than just a little and the Brocklesby Open could be a winnable assignment as well.
Lizzie Harris (Jockey and groom for Joan Tice) – I am getting excited for next season now. We have a couple to run in good time, one new one and the legend Teeton Dazzler. Also me and my other half Tom Morgan are training two, both have come from under rules but not yet won so still in Maidens which is quite exciting. Fingers crossed!
Claire Hart (Jockey, trainer and PRO) – I am most looking forward to it all! I have an exciting prospect to ride and train called Trafalgar Road. He will hopefully go Hunter Chasing. I am also looking forward to renewing my partnership with Palypso De Creek and riding in the famous Dawson colours. Also I am excited to be riding for Heather Kemp. So much to be excited about!
George Henderson (Jockey) – I am looking forward to Canticle who won three times for us as a 5 year old and is back fit and well. He should be very exciting; he is currently doing some impressive show jumping in the build-up to next season. We also have three nice young prospects coming through including a 3 year old filly that will hopefully run in the spring after I have altered my summer diet (I need to be ten stone). We have recently purchased Zilcash from the Hutchinson's. Zilcash is a horse I've been behind many times at Garthorpe so I can't wait to have a ride on him.
David Jones (David Jones Media) - The one thing I am looking forward to is good weather. I am getting too old to stand perched up on a cherry picker in the middle of a cold, wet field freezing my little round things off!
Chloe Kirkby (Jockey) – I am looking forward to Essex, a mishap kept him off the track last season but hopefully this year we will have some fun. My collar bone is back to normal now and I will have the plates out at the end of the season.
Samantha Klug (Jockey and Trainer) – I am looking forward to Awesome Arry; I think he will be good but he thinks he will be awesome!
Stephen Magee (Jockey) – I am hoping to ride in Ireland and England this season. I am looking forward to talking to all the regulars of the Pointing scene and riding good open horses if I get the chance this year.
Pete Mann (Jockey) – I am looking forward to the prospect of all the new horses I have to ride! Also my two stars from last season; Doctor Kingsley and Midnight King. Doctor Kingsley is qualified for the Foxhunters at Cheltenham and aiming for it. I am also keen to get fit again after too much time spent on a tractor seat and the banter with the lads in the weighing room. I am looking forward to cheeky youngsters and frosty mornings schooling, not so much the frosty evenings with a desolate fridge!!
Jo Mason (Jockey) – I am really looking forward to the season starting, I've got some new horses to ride and I've finished uni now so I am totally devoted to the horses. The hard work has already begun getting the horses fit and I am looking forward to the banter at the meetings, it's such a good atmosphere in Yorkshire.
Tom McClorey (Jockey) – I am most looking forward to becoming leading novice rider in the Midlands; it's my goal for the season! Also looking forward to putting Johnny Bailey and Sam Davies – Thomas back in their boxes!!
Will Milburn (Jockey and PRO) – I can't wait, I am really looking forward to seeing Adin Abroad, I don't think we have seen the best of her yet. I also have an unraced full sister to Beamazed and she will run before Christmas. With some of the more experienced riders in Yorkshire going professional and some winding down, hopefully there will be a few more opportunities for us younger riders which is exciting I think! Mark Walford's changing room antics are always worth going racing for.
Charlotte Mulhall (Daughter of Trainer Marti Mulhall) – I am looking forward to seeing all our horses improving and showing us what they have got! I am also looking forward to Shinrock Pearl. We have a new club starting with two Maiden horses. One of them isn't named so the club members can chose a name and there is still room for more members.
Matt Smith (Jockey) – I am going to be riding in the North West quite a bit for John O' Shea, he has around a dozen horses. However, the horse I am most looking forward to riding would be an Irish import trained by Marti Mulhall in Yorkshire called Shinrock Pearl. She has finished second in an Irish Point.
Julie Sowerby (Owner and Steward) – I am looking forward to Pollyanna Steele and of course Shinrock Pearl having their first run for new owners. Pollyanna Steel, who has run twice in bumpers, is owned/trained by friend, and soon to be 50 year Paddock Steward, Geoff Hunter. I am also looking forward to my Goddaughter Clare Pickering starting her Pointing career. I enjoy the "crack" and it will be interesting to see how my bramble vodka turns out, though obviously not when Stewarding!
Tom Strawson (Jockey) – I am looking forward to the Brocklesby Hunt race with both Burt boys (hopefully!).
Amie Waugh (Jockey) – I am just looking forward to getting started. I have three to ride and would like to get round Brocklesby with New Year's Resolution; we fell at the second fence last year.
Carey Williamson (Jockey) - I am looking forward to three horses from last season; Baltic Blue, Bach To The Wall and It Was Me. I'm hoping I still remember how to win!
And what about me? I am looking forward to doing my usual interviews and reports but also I am hoping for a change of luck with my horses. The last three I have been involved with have only managed one completion between them!
We have a new one this year, a mare called Shinrock Pearl purchased at Doncaster Sales in August, who will run in my colours.
Julie and Olivia Sowerby have been with me all the way and should Shinrock Pearl make it into the winner's enclosure Olivia will lead her in.
I am very pleased that Marti Mulhall is training her and hopefully either Matt Smith or Steve Magee will ride depending on availability. I am very excited with her at the moment and have ridden her myself.
On a personal front Ellie-Lu, my hunter, has been very fresh and well this Autumn and on the first Saturday in October I had asked my brother Alistair if he would take her to the breakfast meet at Brocklesby, before his HGV driving course later in the day. As it happened I had to struggle with her myself as when the time came he was otherwise engaged, delivering his wife Fiona's second baby! Philippa Emily was in such a rush to enter the world that Alistair, still in his pyjama bottoms, had to deliver her in the front room before the Mid-wives and paramedics had chance to arrive. Alistair has lambed a few sheep in his time so was unfazed by the experience but is not planning a career change! So I now have two beautiful nieces, Beatrice and Philippa. Philippa will be too young this season, but if only Shinrock Pearl could get to Brocklesby and finish fourth where two year old Beatrice could be there to watch, that would do for me; I would be totally made up.
