New authority launch boosts point-to-point

12:46pm Thursday 29th May 2008

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POINT-to-point history was made at Stratford Racecourse last Friday, when the sport became responsible for its own destiny and the brand new Point-to-Point Authority was launched.

Robert Waley-Cohen, the inaugural chairman of the new organisation, addressed representatives of point-to-point racing from all over the country and explained the need for taking control of the sport, though the BHA will still implement the disciplinary procedures.

The radical change will now see an independent office set up near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, with Lucy Brack moving from her position with the BHA in Shaftsbury Avenue to ensure continuity of the sport.

Weatherbys, who handle so much of the data of racing ‘between the flags’ including the official pointtopoint.co.uk website and the invaluable ‘Talking Point’ which provides entries and results, are in the process of becoming partners in the new authority.

The Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association, the Point-to-Point Secretaries Association, The Master of Foxhounds Association and a couple of independent individuals will form the board of directors.

The 2008/9 season is set to begin in December, and hopefully those involved in the racing will detect very little change.

The historic introduction of the new authority was followed by the PPORA awards lunch, attended by 419 people.

Local honours were taken by the brilliant grey seven-year-old, Worship The Stars, who was the Leading Young Horse in the Welsh Border Area. The 10 members of the Robin Raceline Syndicate were vociferous in their enjoyment of the accolade, and quick to praise Bromsash trainer, Maz Scudamore who handles the gelding, and French rider, Jeremy Mahot, who partnered him in all his starts.

The National Champion PPORA Young Horse for the second consecutive year was the tough Lady Myfanwy, owned by Merthyr farrier, Paul Miles, and trained by his wife Myfanwy. The mare was originally bred in Herefordshire.

Worship The Stars has also taken the silverware closer to home and will be presented with the PM Evans trophy for the Leading Horse in the region at the annual awards event at The Bunch of Carrots, Hampton Bishop, on June 21. Details from Stella Havard on 07876 553641.