The final point-to-point of the Midlands Area season took place at Dingley racecourse, just outside Market Harborough in Leicestershire, on Saturday 13th May and produced doubles for jockey Jack Andrews and trainer Tom Ellis. Dale Peters trains and rides Thunderstruck, who made it two wins from the last three outings as he won the first […]
Pointing good for Pendleton, good for pointing
Positive press reaction to Victoria Pendleton’s ride in Friday’s Foxhunter Chase at the Cheltenham Festival completed a fantastic finale to the former World and Olympic champion cyclist’s ‘Switching Saddles’ challenge.
Pendleton, Britain’s most successful female Olympian, finished fifth in the Foxhunter Chase, the ‘Amateurs’ Gold Cup’, drawing praise from a wide section of racing professionals, including champion Jumps trainer Paul Nicholls and racehorse owner Andy Stewart, whose horse, Pacha Du Polder, was her mount in the race.
It was a remarkable effort by Pendleton, 35, who took up riding little more than a year ago, but she was only able to prove her readiness for Cheltenham through riding in Point-to-Point races. She began on the opening day of the season in late November with a ride at Black Forest Lodge in Devon, and subsequently took part in another 14 such races, plus two hunters’ chases, gaining invaluable experience.
At a press conference after Friday’s race, Pendleton expressed her desire to continue riding in Point-to-Points now the Betfair-sponsored Switching Saddles challenge has ended, and she is expected to be in action at Kimble, in Buckinghamshire, on Easter Saturday.
From keen amateurs to future professionals – Richard Johnson, on his way to becoming champion Jump jockey, started in the sport – Point-to-Pointing is open to all, be it as owners, trainers, riders, volunteer helpers or spectators. Tens of thousands of people will flock to meetings around the British Isles this Easter weekend, and entry is typically just £10 a head for adults, children under 16 get in free.
Anyone who would like to get involved as the owner of a Point-to-Pointer can gain an introduction for an affordable sum through joining a syndicate.
Full details of Point-to-Point meetings in your area throughout the season – which runs from the end of November until the middle of June – can be found at the sport’s national website www.pointtopoint.co.uk.
Further information from the Point-to-Point Authority: 01793 781990 info@p2pa.co.uk
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Fitzwilliam at Dingley 13th May - Preview
2pm Race 1 - PPORA Conditions Race kindly sponsored by Boiler Juice. 13 entered in the first race of the day. Championship chasing Jack Andrews has the choice of 3,whichever he rides will have a big chance. Minella Wizard ran well when second at the Easter meeting here, possibly the race came toosoon after his […]
The Fernie at Dingley 30th May - Report
Dingley’s second meeting of the year was also the Midland Area’s penultimate fixture of the season, the Fernie’s, and brought a good number of runners to the Market Harborough course, where Charles Millington and his team had prepared an excellent racing surface. The feature race of the afternoon was the Mixed Open for the Fernie […]
Fernie at Dingley 30th April - Preview
The penultimate fixture in the Midlands area is the point-to-point hosted by the Fernie at Dingley on Sunday 30th April 2023. The first of six horse races is scheduled for 2pm and of course there will be numerous trade stands to explore, caterers providing food and drink, a licensed bar, fun dog show, bookmakers and […]
The Quorn at Garthorpe - Report
A dry week in the lead up to the Quorn’s point-to-point on Saturday 22nd April produced some excellent racing on soft/good to soft ground at Leicestershire’s home of racing, Garthorpe racecourse. The meeting also broke new ground by hosting a schooling race, organised by Clerk of Course Jim Culloty which provided an opportunity for trainers […]