Big crowd expected at 2013’s first point-to-point meet (From Gazette & Herald)

Big crowd expected at 2013’s first point-to-point meet

3:46pm Wednesday 9th January 2013 in Sport

THE new Point-to-Point season is to get under starter’s orders at Sheriff Hutton on Sunday.

The Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club get the 2013 campaign under way as veteran trainer Mick Easterby again allows his East End Farm to host the scene’s top jockeys and horses.

The popular meeting, held on a three-mile course, should again bring in a big crowd.

Scackleton-based rider Jacqueline Coward, who has been almost unassailable over the last few years, will again defend her lady jockey’s title, while the men’s arena continues to be competitive with Guy Brewer among the main contenders.

Christine Drury, club secretary, said: “Mick Easterby has given us the land again and has been a great supporter of the meeting. It’s had good support from both local and national businesses and it usually brings a really big crowd.

“The course has been walked and it is fine for racing this year despite all the rain. Point-to-Point crowds stand up to the worst of the weather, though. It doesn’t stop them.

“Point-to-Point meetings are a little bit about learning the trade but they are also at the heart of the racing community.”

Admission on the day is £10 per person, with a racecard an additional £3.

The first race is at noon but pony racing takes place before that, starting at 11.15am.

A seven-race card finishes at 3.30pm.