POINT TO POINT
RACING
The first form of point to point racing started more than 250 years ago in the mid- 18th century. It was originally known as "steeple to steeple " as it was held across country from one church "steeple" to another with distances of about 4 and a half miles, with everything in the way, being jumped.
First traceable use of the phrase " point to point" was in 1874.
In the U.K , there are 110 point to point courses with regular meetings, mostly run by the local hunts.
Races are for amateurs and are mostly of around three miles with a minimum of 18 fences.
History of individual tracks is very limited as records weren't always kept and courses moved around somewhat.
Listed below are most of the courses in East Anglia with a few details and pictures of some of the riders that are likely to take part in 2018.
AMPTON ( SUFFOLK ) : IP31 1 HU
Four miles north of Bury St. Edmunds, just off A134. Right-handed course laid out on side of a hill. The home straight and final two fences are on a steep climb.
Ampton Racecourse is also the home of the South Suffolk Show which is held each year in May.
COTTENHAM ( CAMBS ) : CB 24 8RG
Some 5/ 6 miles north of Cambridge. From A14, take junction 33 pass through Milton and follow signs.
A permanent course was laid in 1880 which was bought by the parish in 1918 and a grandstand was built in 1923.
The course was used as a National Hunt venue up to 1925, when that was relocated to Huntingdon ( Brampton ), where it still thrives today..
FAKENHAM ( NORFOLK ) : NR 21 7NY
Fakenham's National Hunt course plays host to one point to point meeting each year.
Fakenham is a sharp left-handed course and is testing for big horses.
HIGHAM ( SUFFOLK ) : CO7 6NG
Higham is just west of the A12 between Ipswich and Colchester. It is a sharp left-handed course with sandy soil which bodes well for good riding conditions most times.
HORSEHEATH ( CAMBS ) : CB21 4QP
Four miles west of Haverhill on the A 604, Horseheath is an undulating right-handed course which provides a stern test of stamina.
Excellent viewing when the field gallops along the skyline in the back straight.
HIGH EASTER ( ESSEX ) : CM1 4 PL
Eight miles north west of Chelmsford, the course is located to the south of the village of High Easter and is has a picturesque setting.
For more information about point to point fixtures, results
and much more, click on the link below.
Gina Andrews Jack Andrews Johnny Bailey Zac Baker
Joe Hill Hannah Lewis Jordan Nailor Shane Roache
Laura Thomas Emma Todd Ally Stirlng Emma Yardley.
Richard Collinson Alex Edwards Tim Gredley Brodie Hampson