How The Day Works
Pointing is a less formal and more relaxed day than racing under-rules. Whether you want to watch the horse racing, catch up with family and friends, walk your dog, enjoy a boot picnic or buy food & refreshments, it’s completely up to you.
It’s worth arriving an hour before the first race to park and get settled, or a bit earlier if you’re bringing a dog and walking the course. Cars are parked alongside or near the course, giving you the ideal base to watch the racing and enjoy the day.
- You can buy a ticket on the gate, always by cash and sometimes by card, and can usually purchase discounted e-tickets in advance
- Most fixtures let under 16’s in free
- Bookmakers all take cash with many accepting card payments
- Food, drink & trade stands all take cash with most accepting card payments
Food, Drink & Entertainment
One of the great things about pointing is how unique each fixture is. Not just in terms of the setting and course, but what each offers on the day.
While some fixtures only have a bar a couple of food stalls and an ice-cream van, others have really gone to town with heated marquees, bars, gift halls, artisan food, a range of clothing, pet goods and equipment outlets and a country fair all running alongside the horse racing.
There can be anything from dog shows to strong man competitions, face painting, bouncy castles and fairground attractions, even Pony Racing and Side-Saddle Dashes. There is usually something for everyone!
Some fixtures also have live music and entertainment running well into the night after racing has finished.
To know what to expect at each fixture check out the details on the Upcoming Fixtures page.
what to bring
- Family, friends, children & dogs!
- The perfect boot picnic
- Cash and cards to have a bet, buy food, refreshments or gifts at the trade stalls
- Blankets or chairs to sit on
- The correct clothing…. don’t forget to check the weather forecast before you leave home
- Binoculars if you have them
race types
maiden races
For horses that have never won a race before.
novice rider races
For riders who have not ridden more than 10 winners in point-to-points.
OPEN RACES
These can be mixed or split into to female or male riders. Open to all horses regardless of previous wins. This is the top category of point-to-point races.
Restricted races
Open to any horse, which has not won any race other than NHF races or Flat races, or any Point-to-Point other than a Maiden Race, Hunt Members Race or no more than one Restricted race previously.
Intermediate races
A race open to any horse which has not won: (i) a Steeplechase or Hurdle Race under the Rules and/or (ii) an Open Point-to-Point Steeple Chase, and/or (iii) more than one Intermediate race, and/or (iv) more than two Conditions or Intermediate Steeple Chases (in any combination).
P2P FLAT races
Is a race where no obstacles are jumped. Sometimes referred to as a “bumper”.
conditions races
Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Is a race open to any horse which satisfies the conditions of the race.
racing tack explained
cheek pieces
Strips of sheepskin attached to the bridle that focus a horse’s vision, encouraging concentration without being as restrictive as blinkers.
red hood
A full hood fitted before a race to keep the horse calm in the preliminaries and at the start. It is taken off by the handler or starter just before the race begins.
Racing Hood
Usually black but can be any colour other than red. A hood that remains on during the race, covering the ears, to help keep a horse calm and stop it from being too keen or distracted.
Blinkers
A hood with eye cups that limit a horse’s peripheral vision, encouraging them to concentrate on what’s ahead rather than distractions around them.
Ring Bit
A bit with an additional ring that runs around the lower jaw, giving the jockey more control, especially with strong horses.
Cross Noseband (Grackle Noseband)
A noseband with crossing straps that helps keep the mouth shut and prevents evasion of the bit.
Australian Noseband
Often orange, white or black. A type of noseband that runs from the bit up the forehead to between the ears. Keeping the bit up in the mouth; often used with horses that try to get their tongue over the bit.
Ear Plugs
Used to reduce noise for nervous or highly-strung horses; can help them settle in the preliminaries or at the start.
Boots
Worn by the horse to protect their legs when jumping and help prevent knocks and cuts.
Tongue Strap / Tongue Tie
A strap or tie used to keep the tongue in place, preventing it from slipping back and obstructing the airway and sometimes giving the jockey more control.
Visor
Similar to blinkers but with a slit in the eye cup, allowing slightly more vision. Often used if a horse needs focus but not total restriction.
Sheepskin Noseband
A fluffy noseband fitted across the nose to alter the horse’s field of vision, encouraging them to lower their head or to concentrate.