The Point-to-Point Authority (PPA) is floating the idea of starting next season early after coronavirus brought the 2019/20 season to a halt.
The remainder of this season was shut down on 17 March.
“This was a very difficult decision, recognising that many people’s livelihoods are involved,” said the PPA.
The wet winter also meant abandonment of many fixtures, but those that ran had big fields, with an average of 50 runners at each and many more at some.
PPA CEO Peter Wright has shared a discussion paper with ideas for next season, including changes to certain race conditions and suggestions of new races, and has mooted October fixtures.
“The Irish moved to October in response to foot-and-mouth [in 2001], and from that their current model was born,” said Mr Wright, adding that whether this is practical is uncertain, but the PPA would like feedback.
“Many of you have mentioned it in passing but there are several levels of complexity, not least the general administration and regulation of a sport running nine months a year. But the sad foreshortening of the season has brought the issue back into focus.”
This story is from the April 02, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 02, 2020 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
