The Official Point-to-Point Website for the Wessex Area

Results of the National Consultation

04-July-2025
04-July-2025 18:53
in General
by Admin

We asked…..you spoke….we listened….

 

 

Thank you one again to everyone who participated in the recent consultation process. Over the two-week period in June around 200 of you took the opportunity, and in many cases considerable time and effort, to email your thoughts. There were some great ideas and many differing points of view, but it offered a constructive insight into what was on people’s minds.

We asked for views on, amongst others things, the recently suggested race changes, the current race structures and on allowing professional trainers to run horses in point-to-points.

Some views were pretty obvious and others not so clear-cut:

• Although there was support for the race changes put forward in early May, a clear majority wanted to stick with Conditions races. Around 70% of respondents felt they are working and are now better understood, but could still be improved

• The suggested changes to novice rider allowances received almost universal approval with over 90% support

• The 0-110 rated races received a mixed response, primarily down to an mis-understanding of how they would work and where they fitted in overall

• Hand-and-heals races also had a mixed response with questions about stewarding and penalties for using the whip

• While a surprisingly large number (25%) thought we should let professional trainers run horses in point-to-points, approximately 65% were against it with a further 10% undecided. The general feeling being that although they might bring more horses it would drive out the amateurs, which is something we want to avoid

Over the summer we will be circulating a questionnaire across the sports stakeholders to better understand its changing demographics. We will also produce a PPA Annual Report which will outline our strategy, future objectives and a range of statistics to provide insight and a better understanding of what’s really happening behind the scenes.

What was the outcome?

Every response was read and the overall feedback put into a consultation document for the Point-to-Point Authority Board to review at a board meeting which took place earlier this week. They took the consultation feedback on-board and considered against the previously suggested changes. The Board recognise that it is impossible to please all stakeholders all of the time, so the overarching objective is to provide a benefit for the majority on a National basis.

RACE PLANNING

We are looking to form a National Race Planning Committee (NRPC). Made up of a representative from each geographic area, with the purpose of providing guidance to fixtures to achieve more balanced race-cards.

CONDITIONS RACES REMAIN

• Effective dates to stay as currently laid out

o Penalties will now be 5lb and 7lb. The 3lb penalty will be dropped.

o Fixtures will no longer be able to adjust penalties, but can still add extra conditions (i.e. owner/trainer, etc.)

• Level 1 Races:

o These will be available to run from the beginning of season. The NRPC will be available to guide Fixtures

• Level 2 Races:

o There be no changes to the current format

• Level 3:

o Horses will only be allowed to win one Level 3 and must then move up. After winning a Level 3 race a horse cannot run in another Level 3 race for the remainder of that season or the following season

The intention of the above changes is to encourage progression through the levels of Conditions Races and ultimately graduation into Open Races, whilst simplifying conditions and ensuring a greater level of consistency.

OPEN RACES AND OTHER RACES

• There are no intended changes to Open Races or other races i.e. Maidens, Restricted etc.

ALLOWING PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS TO RUN IN POINT TO POINTS

• There will be no change with rules left as per current.

NOVICE RIDER ALLOWANCES

o Novice Rider status and the associated 5LB allowance will apply until 10 wins

o The allowance will be claimable in all races except Maidens, Flat Races and Novice Rider Races

o If a rider starts the season as a novice and then gets their 10th win, they can still ride in Novice Rider races for the season but their eligibility to claim an allowance will cease

o Grass Roots Rider and Veteran Rider races will be discontinued

0-110 RATED RACE SERIES

• As a trial there will be a ten race series, with races around the country and a Hunter Chase final.

o We are currently working with a potential national partner on sponsorship funding and course locations. We will aim to publish details later in July and in the next Participant Newsletter

HANDS AND HEELS RACE SERIES

• As the Grass Roots of British jumps racing the Board feel we have a duty to educate riders at the start of their career and to lead the way by trying innovative new ideas.

o A Hands and Heels Series will therefore be trialed for the 2025-26 season, for Novice Riders only

o The series will extend to 10 races with points for 1st,2nd,3rd,4th place and a PPA National Championship award

o We will update further on the regulatory wording and stewarding at the end of July once we have worked through with the BHA regulatory team.

o The success of the trial will be reviewed at the end of the 2025-26 season and reconsidered ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Any small print required will be tidied up over the course of July when we work with the BHA regulatory team on changes for 2025-26 season. We will also update you further in an early August newsletter to ensure everyone is informed and up to date ahead of next season.

Thanks once again to everyone who gave us their feedback, and we hope to see you all pointing next season.

The Season is almost finshed, now for the :

Awards Dinner and Dance

Saturday 28th June

The Holiday Inn Taunton

Tickets can be purchased via the blue button below