SINNINGTON Point to Point celebrates its 40th anniversary on Sunday at Duncombe Park.

Organised by Sinnington Hunt, the races are a traditional form of point-to-pointing, which is confined to amateur trainers and jockey.

The first point-to-point to be held at Duncombe Park was in March 1975, which has since become a permanent home for the event.

Secretary Margaret Rooke said in the immediate post war years Sinnington Point-to-Point was held at Alma Farm in Kirby Misperton, followed by six years at West Newton Grange, Oswaldkirk. “There then followed 10 years without a permanent home and we relied upon the hospitality of our adjacent hunts and raced at Charm Park and Whitwell,” she said.

“In 1975, thanks to the generosity of Lord Feversham and the determination of Anne Hirst, Mary Wood and Roddy Heathcote-Amory, the first Duncombe Part point-to-point was held in March.”

Mrs Rooke said that over the past 40 years there had been three different track layouts and many rearranged race days due to inclement weather, but despite having an exposed site, there had been many more completed meetings than total abandonments.

“None of this would have been possible without the unstinting support of the Duncombe family and help from the Duncombe Park Estate, for which the masters and members of Sinnington Hunt are enormously grateful.”

Sinnington Hunt Point-to-Point takes place on Sunday with the first race at 12.30pm. Admission is £10 per person and refreshments will be available.