All the autumnal feels as point-to-point racing returns

AUTUMN brings with it the joys of kicking through piles of fallen leaves, darker mornings, cooler temperatures and, in my diary, the return of point-to-point.

Admittedly, I haven’t had the chance to really miss it, but an autumnal sort out of all of the bobble hats, gloves and scarves on a rainy day last weekend helped to put me back in the pointing frame of mind.

As you will see written in the pages of today’s newspaper, the 2021-22 season will be kicking off on Saturday at Bishop’s Court, where the East Devon Hunt will raise the curtain on what will hopefully (pandemic permitting) be another eight months of cheering crowds, thundering hooves, muddy boots, sopping wet coats, rosy windswept cheeks and throat warming tipples of something beginning with ‘p’ and ending in ‘t’. Other drinks are available!

Strange as it may seem to some, the return of pointing has got to be one of the best times in the countryside calendar as members of the farming, trail hunting, horsey and wider rural community come together after the summer break. You’d be hard pressed to find a better cross section of country people!

A lot may have changed behind the scenes, due in large part to governing organisations such as Weatherbys and the Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) bringing a significantly more professional approach, but point-to-point – often staged in glorious settings – remains a hugely enjoyable day out.

For what it lacks in glitz and glamour, with marquees and portable loos rather than fancy grandstands, pointing makes up for in atmosphere, camaraderie and pure character.

While I will unfortunately be missing this weekend’s season opener, I’ll be there in spirit, muddy boots and all.