The social distancing measures introduced in March to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic brought an early end to the point-to-point seasons on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Last month the IHRB announced that racing between the flags in Ireland would recommence early on the week beginning September 14, and an intended earlier start date has been announced for British point-to-pointing.
In the plans for a return to pointing published in the PPA June Newsletter, Ottery St Mary could host the opening British fixture on October 24, with Maisemore set to follow 24 hours later.
The latest newsletter from the Point-to-Point Authority also stated that further early fixtures will take place at Kimble on the weekend of October 31 and November 1, before a return to Maisemore on the weekend of November 7 and 8, with the start of the regular season following on the weekend of November 14 and 15.
In announcing plans for an early start to the British Pointing season, Peter Wright, Chief Executive of the Point-to-Point Authority, wrote:
“As it is, the PPA Board and PPSA, along with all the Fixture Secretaries, have worked extremely hard to create an early draft fixture list for next season.
“Whilst that cannot yet be released until we have received official fixture application forms, I can tell you that we currently have over 130 fixtures planned for 53 race days, discounting a further 33 on Easter and May bank holiday weekends, and only 6 of these days have 5 or more fixtures, all on different weekends.
“Perhaps more importantly in the immediate term, is that I can confirm that we have planned for an early start to the season, Covid willing. However, a final decision will only be made by the PPA Board in mid to late July when we expect to have more clarity of the situation and the government approach.”
Wright added: “We are already working on how we can continue to point to point, whilst taking into account Covid, social distancing and so forth.
“Whilst it is likely to lead to slightly different procedures and methodology, none of it looks impossible to manage in practical terms, presuming we get government and BHA clearance, any strictures put in place are feasible, and medical resources are available.
“What it does mean is that fixtures will be requesting that you follow new guidelines, which I am sure you will be only too happy to support, both for your own health and that of the sport.”
