There is only one international Point-to-Point in the UK
It takes place next Sunday December 16th, to finish a spectacular weekend of racing after Cheltenham with a glittering array of the best races Pointing can offer at Barbury Castle, near Marlborough and both Irish horses and riders are welcome.
There are less than 10 days till entries close for the most valuable race day in the UK and Ireland Point-to-Point calendar on Sunday December 16th. With prizes worth over £7,000 on offer, entries for each of the seven races close on Monday December 10th at 12.30.
International challengers for this popular fixture have been invited to stay overnight at Cheltenham Racecourse, which hosts its own International weekend on the previous two days. Stabling will be available for runners from within the UK and from abroad at a cost of £35 per loose box, with accommodation in Hunter’s Lodge as well from £20 per person per night.
All seven races are run at their maximum values, meaning no placed horse receives less than £75. Placings run to fourth place in all races. The feature £1,000 Carter Jonas Barbury International Conditions Race for 10YO over 3m6f is the first and most valuable long distance race of the season thus far.
In addition, the Dubarry Outstanding Achievement Award offers a £500 voucher to spend with the eponymous Irish clothing and footwear brand, and a further £1,000 voucher to spend at any Thoroughbred sale in Ireland is offered by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, together with flights and accommodation.
Whilst the moniker “international” in relation to Jump racing often passes for competition between the UK and Ireland, Barbury is also set to host riders from all over Europe for the final leg of the Fegentri Gentlemen’s League. The League revisits Barbury for the final leg of a 10 race challenge across seven European countries, with legs in Ireland (Cork), France (Chateau Gontier, Le Lion d’Angers, Auteuil, Craon, & Compiegne), Belgium (Waregem), Italy (Merano), Czech Republic (Pardubice). Frenchman Guillaume Viel heads the leaderboard, pursued by Irishman Raymond Barron and the British Noel George. These young riders are all products of the Point-to-Point and amateur circuit.
“This fixture has grown in stature over the years since its introduction in 2017,” commented Nigel Bunter, Chairman of the Race Committee. “The overall quality of the event was amply demonstrated last season, when we scheduled no less than 10 races; several of our young horse winners have gone on to win under Rules, demonstrating British Pointing’s ability to produce top quality youngsters – equine and human - as well as a continuing role for older horses. We have every confidence that our new December slot, coinciding with Cheltenham, will enhance that quality still further and provide a showcase for the sport.”
See the conditions here.
