INTERNATIONAL POINT TO POINT HEADS TO BRITAIN

Subject to BHA approval of the 2014/15 point-to-point fixture list, Chaddesley Corbett racecourse, between Bromsgrove and Kidderminster in Worcestershire, will stage the next competition on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, 2015, when teams of riders from Britain and Ireland, comprising four men and four women from each country, will race against each other.

Leading amateur riders - including Will Biddick, Gina Andrews and Jacqueline Coward for Britain, and Derek O’Connor and Jamie Codd for Ireland – have taken part, with the British gaining the most points overall on both occasions.

Richard Pugh for Tattersalls Ireland said: “British riders clearly enjoyed taking part in Irish point-to-points, and now Irish riders have an opportunity to compete in Britain. We have held the competition in Ireland for two years to help it become established, but home and away legs – 12 months apart – will give the event a boost. Tattersalls Ireland will be a sponsor on the day and is fully behind it.”

Irish men and women have long ridden in British point-to-points, but this will be the first time they can do so on riders’ certificates gained in Ireland. However, all horses taking part will be based in Britain and have hunters’ certificates lodged with Weatherbys.

Clare Hazell, who heads Britain’s Point-to-Point Authority, said: “The Anglo/Irish Challenge at Chaddesley Corbett is certain to be a highlight of the 2014/15 season. The Albrighton & Woodland Hunt (South), which will organise the meeting with the assistance of the PPA and the BHA, will be working to promote this unique competition that will see some of the best talent from both sides of the Irish Sea battle it out.

“This is a meeting that point-to-point fans should mark off in the diary now, and offers us a great opportunity to attract some first-timers to our wonderful sport.”

Will Biddick, who was the leading points scorer for Britain at the 2014 meeting held at Fairyhouse in Ireland, said: “The Irish really looked after us when the competition was held in their country, and it is great that we can return the compliment. It will be good to show the Irish how we race in Britain, and Chaddesley Corbett is a superb venue. I hope I ride enough winners to be in the team next May.”