SEVENTEEN point-to-point fixtures have been scheduled for the Yorkshire Area, starting on Sunday, January 10, at Sheriff Hutton with the Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club meeting, run in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The West of Yore hunt will once again be holding a point-to-point after missing last season due to the lack of a course. Their meeting will be held at Askham Bryan College on Sunday, February 28.

The college will be staging two fixtures this season with the Badsworth and Bramham Moor returning to the site on Easter Saturday, March 26.

Liz Philip, the college’s executive principal said: “I’m thrilled that we are able to support the West of Yore in bringing their Point to Point back on to the calendar. This builds on our success with the Badsworth and Bramham Moor event, and underlines our commitment to the Yorkshire riding fraternity. In addition it gives our students another opportunity to get hands on experience of helping to organise a live event.”

A new regulation for the forthcoming season, allows hunts to run one race per meeting over the shorter distance of 2m4f, in addition to a young horse maiden race which can also be run over the shorter distance.

Both the Holderness and the Pendle Forest and Craven hunts have included a shorter race on their card and it is hoped they will be well supported.

The Pendle Forest and Craven hunt are also holding a charity race in aid of the Candlelighters charity, which is open to anyone and will be run over a distance of 1m4f.

This will be the first race of the day and is an opportunity for budding jockeys to ride in a race while raising money at the same time.

Monsieur Jourdain will be bidding for a historic fourth win in the Grimthorpe Gold Cup. His trainer Sarah Easterby reported: “He usually needs a few prep runs but he’s looking as well as ever and will be given an entry for Sheriff Hutton.”

Sarah’s son, William, who was the leading gentleman jockey last season, is aiming for the title again. “Touch wood I stay sound and hope to keep the nice outside rides I picked up last season, it will be difficult though as Richard (Smith) is back from injury and was riding as well as ever at Alnwick,” said William.

Last year’s leading lady jockey, Emma Todd, is hoping to retain her crown.

“I’ll be doing my best to keep the title, or at least give Jacqueline (Coward) a good run for her money,” reported the rider.

Emma rode seven winners with many placings last season, contributing to her title and added: “I’d like to ride more winners than last year as well as riding in both foxhunters, as I haven’t ridden in either of them yet. I’m also hoping for a good season for the two I train, Mr Conductor and Six A Side.”

Jacqueline Coward has taken over the training reins from her mother Cherry, although she will still be very involved.

“In the future I would like to train under rules and this seemed like the natural step to gain experience before progressing to the professional ranks,” I will still be riding but being a bit more selective in an attempt to combine my two roles successfully,” said Jacqueline.

Jess Gillam who works for the Coward team is likely to share the rides, along with Tim Dunsworth who rode The Highlander at Alnwick in December.

Fiona Needham, who is the Clerk of the Course at Catterick Racecourse, has also taken on the role as area chairman, will be combining her new role with leading up the horses she trains with her father.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the promising novice horses from last season running again,” she enthused. Fiona rode for many years on the Yorkshire circuit and won the Cheltenham foxhunters on the family’s home bred and trained Last Option in 2002.