Showcasing future talent

A new point-to-point series due to get underway in Britain in 2022 hopes to highlight the athletic ability of young horses on a level playing field. Lucy Elder investigates

A “BREAKTHROUGH” series for four-year-olds is hoped to be one of a number of boosts to British point-to-pointing as the sport looks to the future.

Progress and tradition are the yin and yang of British pointing – neglect one and risk losing the other. The decision-makers constantly tread the fine line to balance preserving the sport’s lifeblood and heritage, while ensuring its growth and survival.

The new Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA) four-year-old maiden series comprises five races in 2022 – Larkhill (27 February), Charm Park (6 March), Garthorpe (20 March), Edgcote (3 April) and Chaddesley Corbett (7 May).

“It’s a natural progression to what’s been happening in British point-to-pointing over the last few years,” says Charlie Poste, who runs Station Yard Racing with wife Francesca.

“There’s an increase in operators who also have a commercial arm to their operation and an increase in numbers of people having a go with four-year-olds point-to-pointing. I think numbers are at a level now, so having five four- year-old-only races in the spring makes sense.”