Larkhill point-to-point - back on Saturday 21 January - Now postponed until 28 Jan
Larkhill ptp now postponed... pic: John EcclesWeather has forced the postponement of this meet by one week - it will now take place on Saturday 28 Jan.
Military point to point organisers say they are ‘immensely grateful’ to Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for saving the Larkhill Racecourse from closure.
The Point to Point racing season sees the Royal Artillery take centre stage next week (was Saturday January 21 - now 28 January) after the MoD had threatened to close the course at the end of 2023 and use the land for more army training.
“We mounted a campaign to save the racecourse in October and were delighted that Ben Wallace, the Defence Secretary, overturned the earlier MOD decision and directed that a new lease be issued to Larkhill Racecourse with immediate effect. We are immensely grateful to him,” said Andrew Ritche, Chairman of Larkhill Racecourse.
“Our campaign emphasised the value of the racecourse to the people of Wiltshire and neighbouring counties and to point-to-point racing throughout the country.
“We received an overwhelmingly positive response within days and it was this which led Ben Wallace to intervene.
“I would like to thank all those who helped to achieve this important result for the local civilian and military communities and for everyone who loves racing. This racecourse is not for closing!”
The military point to point is expecting around 70 race entries and will raise funds for the Royal Artillery Charitable Foundation kicking off the day at 11am with a charity side saddle race over 7 furlongs.
Entries for the racing closed yesterday (Monday 09 January) and course officials say the going is likely to be good - with one joking about the notoriously brutal conditions at Larkhill by saying: “Obviously, that is weather dependent!”.
Point to Point horse racing is for amateur jockeys riding over 18 fences for 3 miles. The course has seen many good horses progress from the point-to-point world to professional jump racing.
The major sponsor is INEOS who will be demonstrating their GRENADIER 4x4. Tickets on the gate are £15 with under 16s free.
NOTE: Plenty of parking available. Postcode for the course is SP4 8QR and the course is signposted off the Amesbury to Upavon road A345. Check Wessex Point to Point website – www.pointingwessex.co.uk for updates before travelling.