More point-to-points before New Year

A record number of hunts are moving point-to-point fixtures to before Christmas to avoid the congestion and often poor weather in the spring. Fourteen meetings are taking place before the end of the year, a 75% increase on last season.

The North Hereford has moved its fixture from April to 24 November. “We chose to move because there’s so much point-to- pointing in the Welsh border area in the spring,” said Hilary Bubb, the hunt’s pointto-point secretary.

Held on a new course at Eaton Hall in Herefordshire, home to the Price family, who bred and trained Champion Hurdle winner Flakey Dove, the meeting starts at 11.30am with a seven-race card.

The Atherstone hunt has moved its fixture from March to 16 December. Secretary Mary Bourne says the move was taken to attract more runners and help owners see the potential of their horse earlier in the season.

Along with Eaton Hall, Monmouthshire Showground and Fflos Las, Carmarthenshire, will be hosting point-to points for the first time this season.