Margie McLoone

BARBURY Racecourse, supported by a prize fund of £5,750, is the most valuable point-to-point in Britain, on January 20th 2018, offering seven races, none of which will be worth less than £750, with prize-money to fourth place.

In addition, the two feature races – a mixed open and a three and a half mile race for 10-year-olds and upwards – will be worth £1,000 apiece.

Led by Barbury Racing Club chairman Nigel Bunter and bloodstock agent David Minton, the fixture aims to encourage handlers on both sides of the Irish Sea to educate and nurture their young stock through the point-to-point field. There will be four races for four, five and six-year-olds only of which the final two will be point-to-point bumpers.

John Reddington, managing director of sponsors JRL Group, commented: “I won a division of this race in 2017 (with the Martin Cullinane-trained Mahler mare Lostin A Fog) so I’m delighted to support this initiative.”

Uniquely among British point-to-points, the races are also open to horses in the care of professional trainers provided they haven’t run under Rules for 50 days and hold a valid hunters’ certificate.

BACK FOR MORE

Carlow’s ‘Shark’ Hanlon remarked: “This is a great shop window for anyone wanting to sell horses on either side of the Irish Sea. I brought over five in 2017 and three were sold before I’d left the track! I can’t speak highly enough of the treatment we received and the racing was terrific. I’ll certainly be back for more.”

The Barbury ticket office is now open and adult admission costs just £5 until December 31st, half the normal rate. Spectators can purchase tickets online at www.barburyraces.co.uk.