Thoughts on the proposed race changes and a call to action

Author: Wessex Race Planning Committee 

Point to Point Races 2025-26

We have been asked to set out our understanding of the changes that are proposed to the races that will be available to be run at meetings for next season. Although these were announced on 19^th May we have now been asked to provide the PPA with our thoughts and comments on a number of matters including the races proposed by the 13^th June and it is not known at this stage whether any of the proposals put out last month will be subject to change.

Races that will remain unchanged

Maiden Races – there are no plans to change these so the options to run these races with age limits, no weight allowances, geldings or mares only or to have raced in a minimum of two previous outings remain. It is likely that there will be a series for 4- and 5-year-olds nationally.

Bumper races (Flat races) over 2 mile – No changes are planned to these.

Restricted races – The option to win one of these races and run again in a Restricted with a 5lb penalty will continue

Intermediate races – No Changes

Mens Open, Ladies Open and Mixed Opens – These are all available to be considered with main changes relating to penalties to be carried.

Races that are to change

Novice Rider races and Grassroot Rider races - previously these were Conditions races but will be able to be run at Restricted Level or above but more likely Open races or the two new types shown below and will be an option for each meeting. Novice riders will be those who have ridden up to 10 winners but once this figure has been reached, they will not be able to ride in these races. The definition of Grassroot Riders who are those who have ridden less than 20 winners remains unchanged.

Conditions Races (Levels 1, 2 and 3) – These are no longer to be run next season and are to be replaced with the following two options: -

Progressive Race

For horses that have not won more than one Open race or one race under Rules in the current or preceding season. This is aimed at horses that have advanced through Maiden, Restricted and Intermediate races but will not immediately be up against Open horses. A maximum of 2 of these races can be won before moving up to Open races. There are penalties for races previously won 

Reserved Ratings Race

All horses that have previously had a career racing under Rules will have been given an official rating based on its record. This new type of race will be only be eligible for horses that have never had a rating over 110 nor won an Open race or Hunter Chase in the current or preceding season.

It is hoped that this type of race will attract more horses from National Hunt and give them an opportunity to be competitive at a lower level

There is now a consultation period ending 13th June, we ask of you is to have a look at the link below and then email your thoughts to 

Email your comments to consultation@p2pa.co.uk

Link

Here’s your chance to give the Point-to-Point Authority your views and ideas!, Weatherbys Point-to-Point, Weatherbys Point-to-Point