Point to Point Racing

Horses running in Point to Points must be thoroughbreds, save in the case of hunt members races and certain other club members races (e.g. Pegasus club members race). The horses have to obtain a certificate from a Master of Foxhounds stating that they have hunted for at least 4 days in the season before racing starts in January. In addition the jockey must obtain a certificate from the hunt secretary.

Point to point regulations in the UK and Ireland 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 men's open (4 miles). Maiden races for young horses (aged 4 to 7) can be run over 2 miles 4 furlongs.

A three mile race is almost invariably 2 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 2 fences must have ditches.

The fences are made of birch and are approx 4 foot 6 inches high.

Point to point regulations in England prevent licence holders training under rules from training pointers. However there are so many exceptions to this rule that it is almost without any effect at all.

Horses that are eligible to run in points are also eligible to run in hunter chases, i.e. races run under rules over regulation fences open only to horses with a current hunter certificate.

Point to Point Racing in and around the Cotswolds

Useful websites

Point-to-Point

Cotswold Point to Point Racing