point-to-point

Point-to-points are, as a rule, held over makeshift courses in the countryside - although there have been two or three exceptions, such as the meetings that have been held on Hereford Racecourse.

Pendleton, educated at Northumbria University and recently appointed vice-president of Sport Newcastle, said: "I'm delighted that Andy Stew-art has kindly made Pacha Du Polder available for point-to-points and potentially Cheltenham.

At present all horses and riders taking part in point-to-points have to be qualified with a recognised hunt, though the minimum number of days required for a horse to go out hunting has been reduced from seven to four.

FEARS: Farmer, jockey and trainer John Pritchard at his farm in Frankton, is worried about point-to-points. Picture: JOE BAILEY

'Point-to-points are very much at the grass roots of racing and we are delighted to have our own close association with the sport.'

And what made it even better was that he was presented with this award by Grand National winning jockey Hywel Davies whom Joe had ridden against in point-to-points before Hywel turned professional.

In those days point-to-points were held over the old plan, without flags to indicate the course.

I used to race in point-topoints, we have owned and bred point-topointers over the years and now our son Toby races in point-to-points. So you could say it's in our blood, and we want to put something back into this wonderful sport."

Jockey Club press officer John Maxse explained: 'With point-to-points, it's really landowners and farmers concerned about bringing outside people on to their land.

John was born on the farm, and he and Jill worked tirelessly to help the two point-to-points be successful.