Opinions differ as to when and where point-to-pointing first started, but there is little doubt that a wager was involved. In the early 1800's the landed gentry loved their horses with a passion that has not diminished over the years and, like many horse-owners, thought their horse the fastest and the best. So it was not without reason that they wagered their horse could beat another between a given 'point'. Many, including myself, take this as the logical starting point for this now great sport.

For the uninitiated point-to-point rules, in their modern form, look to be difficult to grasp but are actually easily assimilated and make common sense. The races are confined to horses that have been regularly hunted with a recognised pack of hounds, and a certificate must be obtained from the Master of the Hounds stating that this has taken place. This certificate must be registered at the Racing Calendar Office before the horse is eligible to be entered. An important point to note is that nowadays women and men compete in races at the same weight (12 stone 8 lbs; 80 kg). In Ladies' races, often the fastest race of the day due to this factor, all riders carry 11 stone (70 kg). All races are open to amateurs only.

Courses now usually have built-up fences with a minimum distance of 3 miles. Approximately 200 meetings take place in the UK with a season that now lasts from early January to June. Race-riding has improved with recognition over the last decade with riders of both sexes now comparable with their professional counterpart.

This season the Mens' championship was shared by Andrew Dalton and Julian Pritchard, with Welsh Champion Pip Jones being a most deserved winner of the Ladies' championship. Pip began riding in point-to-points 12 years ago, and her catalogue of injuries is long. Her sheer guts, determination, and classic race-riding style has finally seen her through to her ultimate goal. She is the first Welsh woman to take the national title and deserves the highest praise.

The list of point-to-point equine stars gets longer every year and those hacks who refer to 'slow boats plodding around Larkhill' had, once again, egg on their faces when ex-pointer Cool Dawn landed the Gold Cup. The likes of brilliant trainer Richard Barber have taken the sport to the high level of a nursery ground for National Hunt stars. But then those who love the sport knew that all along, didn't we! The future for this exciting game looks bright. New courses, up and coming horses, bright trainers, and a new season to look forward to with relish. If you haven't been to a meeting you have missed not only a great day's racing, fresh air, a vibrant social scene, but, more importantly, an occasion that may change your life for ever!

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