Frequently Asked Questions:
The rules of Point to Point AM I ELIGIBLE TO RIDE? [Regulations 50 (i) and 53]
You cannot ride in Point-to-Points if:
you are under the age of 16;
you have ever held a professional rider's licence issued under the Orders and Rules of any recognised Turf Authority except:
where, prior to the 1st October 2003, you held one or more of the licences listed below for a cumulative period of not more than 30 months from the date of issue of his first licence, or;
When applying for a Point-to-Point RQC on and after 1st October 2003, the applicant held one or more of the licences listed below for a period of not more then forty eight months and had not ridden more than ten winners under the Rules of any Recognised Turf Authority at any time during such period whilst holding such a licence:
An Apprentice Jockey's Licence.
A Conditional Jockey's Licence issued under Rule 60 (iv) of the Rules of Racing.
A Steeplechase and Hurdle race Jockey's Licence issued prior to July 1978.
You have ever been paid directly or indirectly for riding in a race, with the exception of expenses approved by the British Horseracing Authority as set out in Appendix A to the Regulations, and any trophy advertised in the conditions of any race. Approved expenses comprise:
Expenses apportioned by FEGENTRI for their Championship races under Rules.
Reasonable expenses to overseas riders paid by sponsors of Amateur or Club races as long as they are acceptable to the British Horseracing Authority and are included in the race conditions.
Assisted or free travel and lodgings provided for Amateur riders taking part in approved invitation races abroad.
You have been prohibited from participating in Point-to-Point Steeple Chases by the British Horseracing Authority .
You are an amateur rider, whose permit has been suspended by the British Horseracing Authority or by any other recognised Turf Authority.
You are a rider who has been suspended from riding at a Licensed Racecourse under Rule 153 (iv) (a) of the Rules of Racing.
Assuming you do not fall into any of the above categories you can take the first step towards riding in Point-to-Points and apply for a Riders Qualification Certificate (RQC).
HOW DO I GET MY RQC? [Regulation 50 (ii)]
You must have an RQC for the current year before you can ride in Point-to-Points. Your RQC is proof that you are qualified to ride in Point-to-Points and that you have paid the premium of the mandatory Point-to-Point Riders Insurance Scheme. RQC application forms are obtainable from your Hunt Secretary. He/she will fill in the first part of the form which confirms that you are: a Master, Member, Subscriber, Farmer; or
a son, daughter or spouse of a Master, Member, Subscriber, Farmer; or
a person who has paid the cap for at least one days hunting to the Hunt concerned.
Assuming this is the case you complete the remainder of the application form as indicated. This involves:-
signing an acknowledgement that you understand Point-to-Point riding is a high-risk sport, and that you believe yourself to be a competent rider who has schooled over fences and is capable of riding in Point-to-Point Steeple Chases.
completing a Declaration of Health Form; and
sending payment of either £167.10 (for a "full Certificate" which allows you to ride throughout the season in all races for which you are eligible) or £47.78 which allows you to ride in one Hunt Members Race only. Payment may be in the form of a personal cheque, bankers draft or building society cheque. CASH OR POSTAL ORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are under 18 years of age you will need to provide parental/guardian consent with your application.
If you fall into any of the following categories, you will need to make an appointment with your own GP to complete a four-page Medical Report Form (supplied by the British Horseracing Authority). You will then need to return this and any other confidential medical documentation (ie Health Declaration) to BHA’s Medical Department before any RQC can be issued. Your RQC application form and cheque needs to be sent separately to the Point to Point Authority as they will ultimately arrange the issuing of your RQC.
Categories of Riders who will need their GP to complete the Medical Report Form:
All first time applicants.
Applicants who, on 1st December 2008, are aged 50 or over – or who reach 50 before 30th June 2009 – will require an annual 4 page medical.
Applicants who, on 1st December 2008, are aged 60 or over – or who reach 60 before 30th June 2009 – will require an annual 4 page medical and the results of a recent exercise stress test.
Please note that riders who have undergone a medical as part of the process for obtaining a current Amateur Rider’s Permit will NOT need to undergo an additional medical to receive a Point-to-Point Riders Qualification Certificate.
If you will be over 60 years of age at any stage during the current season you must contact Prue Bester in the British Horseracing Authority Medical Department (0207 189 3838) immediately.
Your Application Form (with the exception of the Declaration of Health and (if required) Medical Report Form) and payment must be sent to the Point to Point Authority.
YOU MUST ALLOW AT LEAST 3 WEEKS FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED.
The money you have paid for your RQC is your premium for joining the compulsory insurance scheme that has been agreed with the Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association (PPORA). (A small administrative fee is included in the cost). You will therefore be eligible for compensation should you have an accident from weigh-out to weigh-in during Point-to-Point races for which you hold an RQC.
As long as the BHA Chief Medical Adviser is happy with the Declaration of Health Form you have completed and the Medical Report Form your GP has completed (if required), your RQC and a Medical Record Book (MRB) will be sent to you within 3 weeks. The MRB is a "one-off" document which belongs to the British Horseracing Authority and which you will hold until it is full or you have finished your riding career. Only MRBs that have been issued by the British Horseracing Authority, the Horseracing Regulatory Authority or the Stewards of the Jockey Club if issued before1st January 2005 are acceptable in Point-to-Points. Details of all your injuries and any medical suspensions will be written in your MRB by Point-to-Point Doctors or Racecourse Medical Officers (if you ride under Rules as an Amateur). You will also be sent details of your Insurance cover (and who to contact should you wish to make a claim) with your RQC/MRB.
Prospective applicants with existing medical conditions or who are currently taking medication should apply to the British Horseracing Authority’s Chief Medical Adviser, for information and advice by ringing 0207 189 3838.
If the Chief Medical Adviser needs further information on illnesses or injuries you may have suffered he will contact your GP. This may delay the issuing of an RQC. In certain cases the Chief Medical Adviser will refuse an RQC application. If this happens to you, you can appeal against the decision (Regulation 2 (ii)) through the Licensing Committee.
Once you receive your RQC and MRB you have the necessary documentation to ride in Point-to-Points.
WHICH RACES CAN I RIDE IN? [Regulation 51]
If you have a "full" RQC you can ride in the following races:-
Hunt Members races (up to a maximum of 3 – unless you are also a novice rider in which case you may ride in up to 4 such races in any season) as long as you are a Master, Member, Subscriber, Farmer (or their spouse or child) of the Hunt or Hunts concerned; or have paid to that Hunt the cap for one or more days hunting.
If the conditions of a Hunt Members race state "To be ridden by those qualified to enter" you cannot ride if you have paid only the cap to the Hunt because to qualify to enter a horse you have to be a Member, Master, Farmer or Subscriber of that Hunt.
I you are qualified to ride in a Hunt Members race for which your RQC does not state your eligibility (e.g. you are a Subscriber of Hunt A and Hunt B, you want to ride in the Hunt Members race of Hunt B, but your RQC was signed by the Secretary of Hunt A), you need to get the Hunt Secretary of Hunt B to fill in the relevant section of an RQC application form confirming that you are eligible. You must then take this to the meeting on raceday and hand it to the Declarations Clerk.
Open, Intermediate, Confined, Restricted and Maiden races.
Club, Association or Society races providing you are a member of the organisation concerned, unless otherwise stated in the race conditions, and are eligible under the conditions. Examples include: Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association races or South Midlands Area Club races. Remember to carry proof of your membership.
A growing number of Club races in particular are now for Novice Riders only. A Novice Rider is defined as:
A person who, up until the 28th November 2008, has ridden a total of no more than three winners under the Rules of any Recognised Turf Authority or in any Point-to-Point Steeple Chases
If you have a "Hunt Members only" RQC you can only ride in ONE Hunt Members race for which the RQC states you are eligible. If a Hunt has two meetings and holds a Hunt Members race on both occasions you cannot ride in both races with a single "Hunt Members only" RQC. If you have ridden in your Hunt members’ only race and you wish to ride again in another Point-to-Point race, you can upgrade your RQC by sending the difference between the cost of a full and members RQC to the Point-to-Point Authority.
IS MY RIDING EQUIPMENT ACCEPTABLE? [Appendices C,E,G,H,O of the Regulations]
You should ensure that the riding equipment you intend to use complies with the Regulations for Point-to-Point Steeple Chases.
You must ride in a SKULL CAP and it must comply as follows:-
meet (BS) EN 1384: 1997, or EN 1384: 1996, or PAS 015:1994 standard;
have a CE marking;
be in serviceable condition;
Skull caps shall not have a chin cup, cradle or draw lace.
The chin strap must pass under the jaw and be attached to the harness by a quick release buckle. Metal hooks are expressly forbidden.
The skull cap must be of the correct size for the individual rider, the harness must be correctly adjusted and the chin strap fastened at all times when mounted on a horse.
As skull caps are designed for "single impact only" any skull cap which has been subjected to a severe impact or has been worn by a rider suffering from concussion should not be regarded as serviceable and should be replaced.
If your Skull Cap does not comply you are liable to be fined £50 upwards and will not be permitted to ride until you have one, which meets the requirements.
Your WHIP must comply as follows:
A maximum length, including the flap, of 68 centimetres;
A minimum diameter of 1cm.
The only additional feature that may be attached to the whip is a flap. If a flap is attached it must fall within the following specifications:-
A maximum length of flap from the end of shaft of 10cms;
A maximum width of flap of 4cms, with a minimum of 2cms;
The flap from the end of the shaft must not contain any reinforcements or additions;
There shall be no binding within 23cms of the end of the flap;
The contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm;
The flap must have similar shock absorbing characteristics to that of the contact area;
The overall weight must not exceed 160 gms.
Clerks of the Scales will from time to time check the whips used by riders to ensure that they fall within the approved specifications. These checks will be carried out at the time of weighing out, and any rider found with a whip which does not conform will be advised that if he carries that whip during a race he will be in breach of Regulation 117.
Random checks will also be made by the Stewards in the Parade Ring, and any rider whose whip does not appear to comply with the specifications will be ordered to report to the Clerk of the Scales for the whip to be checked. If it does not and you continue to ride with it you will be fined £50 upwards.
You may only wear racing boots with racing irons. Racing boots may NOT be worn with hunting irons.
If you intend to use SPURS they must not be sharp, angled or fitted with rowels.
You cannot ride under the Point-to-Point Regulations wearing SPECTACLES or lensed goggles. In the case of people wishing to ride in contact lenses, the lenses must be of the soft type.
You must wear a BODY PROTECTOR whilst weighing out and during the race as is stated in Regulation 115 (iv):
No rider in a Point-to-Point Steeplechase can be weighed out for, or ride in the race unless he is wearing a body protector of a pattern approved by the British Horseracing Authority.
Body protectors must always be in a serviceable condition and not modified. All body protectors must comply with one of the following standards: BS EN 13158:2000 or EN 13158:2000.
All riders receive a 2lb weight allowance for the body protector. This means that if you are due to carry e.g. 12st in line with the race conditions, the scales should actually read 12st 2lb.
If you are ever in any doubt about the BODY PROTECTOR or SKULL CAP you intend to wear you should contact the British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser on 0207 189 3838 who will supply you with details of approved patterns.
REMEMBER: IF YOU ARE NOT WEARING THE CORRECT STANDARD OF SKULL CAP OR BODY PROTECTOR IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOU WILL INVALIDATE YOUR POINT-TO-POINT RIDERS INSURANCE POLICY.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I RIDE? [Regulation 50 (ii) and 55 (iii), (iv)]
Riders Qualification Certificate and Medical Record Book.
Proof of membership of certain Societies, Associations etc. (if applicable).
Skull cap.
Body protector.
Whip.
Other riding equipment (e.g. saddle, girths, surcingle and breast plate).
Cheque book or cash.
Medical Record Books and Riders Qualification Certificate
When you arrive at the Point-to-Point you should immediately show your RQC to the Declarations Clerk and leave him your MRB. The MRB must remain with the Clerk until you have finished riding for the day and you have been given the all clear to be released by the Point-to-Point Doctor.
You must not ride if you are currently serving a specified period of medical suspension. Details of such suspensions are listed below and will be recorded in your MRB in RED INK:
For all periods of suspension, the first day of the suspension is the day following the injury.
If you have been declared unfit to ride to ride by a Point-to-Point Doctor you may not ride in a race until you are passed fit to ride by the British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser, or a Racecourse Medical Officer (RMO) or Point-to-Point Doctor on a raceday. Where a period of time is specified in the declaration you may only be passed fit to ride after this time has elapsed. Furthermore, where the injury was a fracture or dislocation you must also provide supporting documentary medical evidence to the Chief Medical Adviser, Racecourse Medical Officer or Point-to-PointDoctor, before you can be passed fit. If you suffer concussion at a point-to-point meeting, you can ONLY be passed fit by the British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser.
If you have an outstanding "unfit to ride" entry in your MRB as recorded by an RMOyou must be passed as fit by:-
An RMO; or
A Point-to-Point Doctor providing the injury was not concussion or a dislocation or fracture.
The British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser
As stated above where a period of time has been specified in your declaration you will only be passed fit after the time has elapsed.
Unless he also happens to act as an RMO you cannot, therefore, expect a Point-to-Point Doctor to allow you to ride on raceday if you have not been passed as fit since e.g. breaking an ankle and being deemed unfit by an RMO at a race meeting under Rules.
If you suffer concussion at a Point-to-Point meeting you can ONLY be passed fit again by the British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser. All riders who suffer concussion are subject to the British Horseracing Authority Concussion Protocol for Amateur and Point-to-Point Riders currently in place. Your return to riding timescale is likely to be quicker if you already have a series of “cogsport” baseline results. Should you be interested in undergoing the optional baseline testing procedures (cost £40) further details are available from:
The Chief Medical Adviser,The British Horseracing Authority,151 Shaftesbury Avenue
London WC2H 8AL. Tel No. 0207 189 3838
If you are unable to present your RQC you will not be fined but you must sign the relevant form (held by the Declarations Clerk) on which you declare that you do possess one, are in good health, and not currently under a period of medical suspension. You will then be allowed to ride after the Doctor has examined you. The form is returned to the Point-to-Point Authority where your name is cross-checked with the details of RQCs already issued. If it is then evident that you do not actually possess an RQC you will be subject to a Disciplinary Panel hearing and a suspension / fine. If you lose your RQC you must contact the Point-to-Point Authority immediately. You will be reissued with an RQC but will have to pay a smalladministration charge.
If you are unable to present your MRB you will be fined £60. You must also sign the relevant form on which you declare that you do possess an MRB and are notcurrently under a period of medical suspension. You will then be allowed to ride once the Point-to-Point Doctor has examined you. The form is returned to the Point-to-Point Department where your name is cross-checked with the details of MRBs already issued. Please note: the £60 fine will be waived if you sign the same form and declare that your MRB is currently with the BHA Licensing Department as part of the process of applying for an Amateur Permit to ride under the Rules of Racing. Your name will again be cross-checked with the Licensing Department's list of outstanding Amateur Rider applications.
If you lose your MRB you must contact the Point-to-Point Department immediately. You will be reissued with a replacement MRB but will have to pay a £45 replacement fee.
Walking the Course
To ensure you do not fall foul of Regulation 126 (ii) or (iii) you should walk the course before racing. Under Regulation 114 (vii) you must acquaint yourself in advance with the correct course over which you are to ride. You may not obtain the best possible placing if you are not familiar with the course.
HOW AND WHEN DO I WEIGH OUT? [Regulations 111-119]
You cannot weigh out unless you have already been declared to ride three quarters of an hour before the scheduled race time. However, if because of unavoidable circumstances a rider who has been declared to ride is unable to do so, you can act as a substitute providing the horse has not come under Starters Orders and there would be no unreasonable delay.
You may be declared to ride up to two horses if is anticipated that the Safety Factor in any race will be exceeded and the race subsequently divides.
If you have been declared to ride two horses in the anticipation that the Race will divide, it is your responsibility, before the time of declaration, to state the preferred horse to the Declarations Clerk and inform the owners of the non-preferred horse that if the race does not divide you will be unable to ride their horse. It will then be the owner’s responsibility prior to declarations closing, to inform the Declarations Clerk whether the horse will be either withdrawn or an alternative rider will be substituted if the race does not divide.
You must weigh out no less than quarter of an hour before the scheduled race time. If you are late to weigh out or late entering the Parade Ring you are liable to be fined a minimum of £50.
When weighing out (or indeed weighing in) you must put onto the scale and include in your weight everything that the horse is to carry (or has carried) except:
whipskull cap bridle rings platesblinkershoodvisor breast girtheye shieldeye cover martingalecheek piecesbreast plateneck strapanything worn on the horse's legs muzzleRiders are required to wear body protectors in all races and you receive a 2lb weight allowance for this (see 5.6). e.g. If you are due of officially carry 12st, the scales must read 12st 2lb.
f the horse you are riding is to run in a hood fitted with blinkers, or any combination of hood, blinkers, visor, eye shield, or eye cover these items must be presented to the Clerk of the Scales prior to weighing out.
If you intend to carry over-weight you must declare the amount when weighing out.
When you have been declared to ride under Regulation 111 it shall be an offence if you do not come under Starter’s Orders unless the Stewards are satisfied that this was due to:
illness, or rider declared unfit to ride;
unqualified rider;
some other circumstances acceptable to the Stewards
If the circumstances are not acceptable to the Stewards a fine of £100 will be imposed.
You are responsible for the fit condition of the saddle which you use.
It is the Owner's responsibility to ensure that:-
the horse is qualified and carries the correct weight;
the horse is properly saddled when it leaves the parade ring;
the horse carries the correct number cloth;
the colours you ride in are the correct ones and do not contain any advertising.
WHAT DO I DO AT THE START? [Regulation 26]
You are not allowed to jump a fence before the race itself.
You must leave the Parade Ring in good time so as to ensure there is no undue delay at the start. If the Stewards feel you are causing an undue delay to the start, they have the power to withdraw your horse.
When you arrive at the start you must place yourself under the Starter's control.
The Starter has full power to remove any unruly horse. You may ask permission from the Starter for your horse to be held but it must be held "at a stand" behind the other runners.
Misconduct (e.g. lining up before being instructed to do so) by a rider at the start is an offence and you are liable to be fined.
The Starter will raise his flag, indicating that the horses are under starters’ orders and the race will start when this is lowered. The "recall man" will be positioned around 70 - 100 yards down the course and will lower his raised white flag when the Starter declares a "fair" start.
FALSE STARTS [Regulation 26]
If the Starter believes there has been a false start he will keep his flag raised (or raise it again if it had been lowered) and the "recall man" will remain in position with his flag raised.
You should pull your horse up and return to the start as soon as possible. If you complete a circuit of the course or fell/unseated when a false start has been declared, you will be withdrawn from the race. You will also be in breach of the Regulations.
TAKING THE CORRECT COURSE [Regulations 122 + 126]
All red flags must be passed on the rider's right; white flags on the left (except when bypassing a fence).
If your horse has refused at a fence, you are not allowed to be given a lead over any fence by a mounted person not riding in the race. Your horse will be disqualified if you do so.
If your horse runs the wrong side of a flag or misses a fence you must turn back and ride the course correctly from the point in question. Your horse will be disqualified if you do not. If you knowingly continue in the race when your horse has taken the wrong course you will be guilty of an offence and fined upwards of £75.
Where sets of Direction Markers with Black & Yellow Chevrons have been inserted in a fence you must go around the fence and continue in the race. Your horse will be disqualified and you will be guilty of an offence (unless there are exceptional circumstances) if you ignore the direction markers and jump the fence. Doctors and vets could well be treating injuries on the other side of the fence.
REMEMBER: DIRECTION MARKERS WITH BLACK & YELLOW CHEVRONS TELL YOU THAT THE FENCE MUST NOT BE JUMPED.
WHEN MIGHT I BE GUILTY OF A RIDING OFFENCE? [Regulation 123 and 125-128]
You must always ride safely and make every effort to obtain the best possible placing.
FAILURE TO OBTAIN THE BEST POSSIBLE PLACING
You shall ride every horse on its merits and give it the full opportunity to obtain the best possible placing. The Stewards will hold an enquiry if the answer to any of the two following questions is "No":
Was the horse asked for sufficient effort ?
Was it ridden to obtain the best possible placing ?
If the Stewards decide that you failed to ride out for a place you will be fined £75upwards. If they believe you failed to ride out for first place (due to ill-judgement or negligence) you will be fined £150 upwards. If they believe you concealed the horse’s ability and intentionally failed to obtain the best placing, you will be fined £250upwards or the matter will be referred to Shaftesbury Avenue. The Stewards will also find the owner guilty of an offence if they decide that his riding instructions have caused you to be “in breach” of the Regulations. If the Stewards think you were using the course as a “schooling ground” for the horse they may suspend you for the rest of the meeting and/ or fine you £90 or more. “Schooling” would include a situation where your horse may have refused early in the race and you decide to rejoin the field when they return on the next circuit.
RACE RIDING OFFENCES – INTERFERENCE
You must take every possible step to ride correctly and avoid endangering other riders. You should try to keep straight (especially near the finish when tired horses start to hang) and only move in or out when you have plenty of room. If the Stewards of the Meeting think that interference has taken place between horses during a race they can deem it ACCIDENTAL, CARELESS, IMPROPER OR DANGEROUS.
If the Stewards think there has been ACCIDENTAL interference on your part and are satisfied that the interference improved the placing of your mount, your horse will either be placed behind the horse(s) it interfered with if that/those horse(s) finished in the first four, or placed last if that/those horse(s) were not in the first four. You will notbe guilty of a riding offence. Stewards are instructed that the further away from the winning post that an incident occurs (other than Dangerous riding cases), the less likely it is that the result should be changed.
If the Stewards think you are guilty of CARELESS riding (i.e. failing to take all reasonable steps to avoid causing interference, or causing interference as a result of a misjudgement or inattention, including when manoeuvring for position) your horse, if the interference had improved your placing, will be either placed behind the horse(s) it interfered with if it/they were in the first four,placed last. Otherwise, it will retain its placing if it finished behind the horse(s) it interfered with. You will be guilty of an offence and fined £75 upwards (to a maximum of £600) – depending on the individual case, and whether, e.g. it is your second offence of the year.
If the Stewards think you are guilty of IMPROPER RIDING (i.e. if you intentionallystrike another rider or horse, or ride in such a way that would be dangerous but for the fact that it did not cause serious interference) your horse , if the interference had improved your placing, will be either placed behind the horse(s) it interfered with if it/they were in the first four, placed last, or retain its placing if it finished behind the horse(s) it interfered with. You will be guilty of an offence and fined £75 upwards (to a maximum of £600) – depending on the individual case, and whether, e.g. it is your second offence of the year.
If the Stewards think you are guilty of DANGEROUS riding (i.e. causing serious interference by either purposely interfering with another horse or rider, or riding in a way which is far below that of a careful and competent rider) at any point in the race they will disqualify your horse. You will be guilty of an offence and fined £150upwards (to a maximum of £600).
MISUSE OF THE WHIP [Appendix F of the Regulations]
The whip should be used for safety, correction and encouragement only. It must not be used in such a way as to inflict injury. All riders should consider:
Showing the horse the whip and giving it time to respond before hitting it.
sing the whip in the backhand position for a reminder.
Having used the whip, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again.
Keeping both hands on the reins when using the whip down the shoulder in the backhand position.
Using the whip in rhythm with the horse's stride and close to its side.
Swinging the whip to keep a horse running straight.
The British Horseracing Authority have asked Stewards of Meetings to consider holding an enquiry into any case where a rider has used his whip in such a way as to cause them concern and publish the following examples of uses of the whip which may be regarded as a riding offence:-
Hitting horses which are:
showing no responseclearly winningpast the winning post
Hitting horses:
with the whip arm above shoulder height to the extent of causing injury without giving the horse time to respond
with excessive force rapidly without regard to their stride i.e. twice or more in one stride with excessive frequencyHitting horses in any place EXCEPT:
On the quarters with the whip in either the backhand or forehand position
Down the shoulder with the whip in the backhand position unless exceptional circumstances prevail.
The use of the whip may additionally be judged to be improper in particular circumstances that have not been included above.
If the Stewards think you are guilty of misuse of the whip you will be fined £75upwards. You will be referred to the British Horseracing Authority at Shaftesbury Avenue if you commit three such offences in one season.
FAILURE TO PULL UP LAME OR EXHAUSTED HORSES
Appendix V of the Regulations clarifies that riding a lame or exhausted horse to a finish is unacceptable. The thrill of e.g. completing your first Point-to-Point or continuing grimly a distance behind in order to collect third place prize money is no excuse for not pulling up. The sight of an exhausted horse falling at, or worse still straddling, a fence does the sport no credit and consequently if you are found guilty of this offence you will probably be fined £150 or more.
WHAT ARE THE WEIGHING-IN PROCEDURES? [Regulations 130-132]
It is an offence to dismount before reaching the unsaddling area (unless there are mitigating circumstances). Once you have unsaddled your horse in the designated area you should immediately head for the weighing room/tent and report to the Clerk of the Scales.
You must always remove your own saddle, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
If you finished in the first four and you do not present yourself to the Clerk of the Scales to be weighed-in, your horse will be disqualified (unless there are mitigating circumstances) and you will be fined. The fine will range from £40- £600 and you could be referred to the British Horseracing Authority.
When you weigh-in you must include the same clothes and equipment you used when weighing-out. (See 7.3).
If you weigh-in at 4lbs or more over the weight at which you weighed-out, you will be reported to the Stewards of the meeting but your horse will not be disqualified.
If you weigh-in at 2lbs or more less than you weighed out, your horse will be disqualified.
IF YOU HAD A FALL DURING THE RACE YOU MUST REPORT TO A POINT-TO-POINT DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN YOU BEING FINED £70 (UNLESS THERE ARE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES).
If the Doctor examining you believes that you may be suffering from concussion he will ask you to follow a brief diagnosis protocol to assist his assessment.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A STEWARDS’ ENQUIRY?
If the Stewards believe there has been a possible breach of the Regulations, or if an incident occurred which may affect the placings, or if there is speculation over the running of a race, they will announce a Stewards Enquiry.
If you are asked to attend an Enquiry you will be introduced to the three Stewards. The Clerk of the Course may also be present and the grounds for their enquiry will be explained to you.
Each witness will firstly be asked questions and the person against whom any allegations are made will also be given the opportunity to state his case, call witnesses and ask questions. The Stewards can ask questions at any time during the proceedings.
All those concerned in the incident will then be asked to leave the room/tent whilst the Stewards make their decision. If you are at the centre of the Enquiry you will be brought back into the room/tent and the Chairman of the Panel will explain the outcome. If you are found guilty of an offence and a fine is imposed you must ensure that this is paid before you leave the course.
You should be aware that a single Steward of the meeting can ask any connection of a horse (including the rider) to account for the poor/improved performance of the animal without necessarily holding a full official enquiry (Appendix S of the Regulations). Depending on the connections’ response a full enquiry might still be held.
HOW DO I LODGE AN OBJECTION? [Regulations 140-142]
If you feel that you have grounds for an objection, you or the owner of the horse should make one in writing within five minutes of the winner weighing-in. The objection needs to be signed by you or the owner and passed onto the Clerk of the Scales or Clerk of the Course together with a deposit of £60. If your objection is unsuccessful the Stewards may withhold the £60 if they deem it to be frivolous.
You can only withdraw an objection with the Stewards' permission.
If you feel that you have grounds for a "technical" objection which does not relate to incidents from weighing-out to weighing-in you can contact the British Horseracing Authority Point-to-Point Department at Shaftesbury Avenue within 14 days of the race meeting.
Costs and expenses of objections eventually heard at Shaftesbury Avenue will be determined by the British Horseracing Authority.
HOW DO I APPEAL?
Any rider can appeal against a raceday decision taken by the Stewards of the Meeting to the Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority.
You should lodge a notice of appeal to the Disciplinary Department at Shaftesbury Avenue within seven days of the Stewards' initial decision and accompany this with a deposit of £500 or £220 when a fine of £500 or less is imposed. This deposit shall be forfeited or returned as the British Horseracing Authority considers appropriate. Your notice of appeal must be signed by you or your agent or solicitor and must state the grounds for the appeal in general terms.
Within seven days of making your appeal you must provide all relevant written evidence and representations you wish to be considered by the Disciplinary Panel to the Disciplinary Department.
A date for a hearing at Shaftesbury Avenue will be set and you may or may not have to attend, depending on certain criteria.
The Guidelines for the holding of Disciplinary enquiries by the Disciplinary Panel are laid down in Appendix U of the “The Regulations for Point-to-Point Steeple Chases”.
Certain decisions of the Disciplinary Panel may also be appealed to an Appeal Board of the British Horseracing Authority. The criteria for these appeals are laid down in Appendix Y of the “The Regulations for Point-to-Point Steeple Chases” to which reference should be made in such eventuality.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE LEAVING THE COURSE?
Assuming you are not involved in a Stewards' Enquiry, you must liaise with a Point-to-Point Doctor and the Declarations Clerk before you leave the course. The latter will hand over your MRB. It is your responsibility to check that the correct documents have been returned to you. If you have been injured and are unable to pick up your documents, it is still your responsibility to ensure that you have them when you next ride. Remember, if you do not have your MRB you will be fined £60.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
RIDING IN HUNTER CHASES
If, having obtained your RQC and MRB, you wish to ride in Hunter Chases during the season; you should contact the Licensing Department of the British Horseracing Authority for further details. As part of the process you will be asked to forward your MRB to the British Horseracing Authority. However, you will be able to continue riding in Point-to-Points whilst the MRB is with the Licensing Department as long as you declare this on raceday.
BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY, October 2008
Compiled by Robin Mounsey
You cannot ride in Point-to-Points if:
you are under the age of 16;
you have ever held a professional rider's licence issued under the Orders and Rules of any recognised Turf Authority except:
where, prior to the 1st October 2003, you held one or more of the licences listed below for a cumulative period of not more than 30 months from the date of issue of his first licence, or;
When applying for a Point-to-Point RQC on and after 1st October 2003, the applicant held one or more of the licences listed below for a period of not more then forty eight months and had not ridden more than ten winners under the Rules of any Recognised Turf Authority at any time during such period whilst holding such a licence:
An Apprentice Jockey's Licence.
A Conditional Jockey's Licence issued under Rule 60 (iv) of the Rules of Racing.
A Steeplechase and Hurdle race Jockey's Licence issued prior to July 1978.
You have ever been paid directly or indirectly for riding in a race, with the exception of expenses approved by the British Horseracing Authority as set out in Appendix A to the Regulations, and any trophy advertised in the conditions of any race. Approved expenses comprise:
Expenses apportioned by FEGENTRI for their Championship races under Rules.
Reasonable expenses to overseas riders paid by sponsors of Amateur or Club races as long as they are acceptable to the British Horseracing Authority and are included in the race conditions.
Assisted or free travel and lodgings provided for Amateur riders taking part in approved invitation races abroad.
You have been prohibited from participating in Point-to-Point Steeple Chases by the British Horseracing Authority .
You are an amateur rider, whose permit has been suspended by the British Horseracing Authority or by any other recognised Turf Authority.
You are a rider who has been suspended from riding at a Licensed Racecourse under Rule 153 (iv) (a) of the Rules of Racing.
Assuming you do not fall into any of the above categories you can take the first step towards riding in Point-to-Points and apply for a Riders Qualification Certificate (RQC).
HOW DO I GET MY RQC? [Regulation 50 (ii)]
You must have an RQC for the current year before you can ride in Point-to-Points. Your RQC is proof that you are qualified to ride in Point-to-Points and that you have paid the premium of the mandatory Point-to-Point Riders Insurance Scheme. RQC application forms are obtainable from your Hunt Secretary. He/she will fill in the first part of the form which confirms that you are: a Master, Member, Subscriber, Farmer; or
a son, daughter or spouse of a Master, Member, Subscriber, Farmer; or
a person who has paid the cap for at least one days hunting to the Hunt concerned.
Assuming this is the case you complete the remainder of the application form as indicated. This involves:-
signing an acknowledgement that you understand Point-to-Point riding is a high-risk sport, and that you believe yourself to be a competent rider who has schooled over fences and is capable of riding in Point-to-Point Steeple Chases.
completing a Declaration of Health Form; and
sending payment of either £167.10 (for a "full Certificate" which allows you to ride throughout the season in all races for which you are eligible) or £47.78 which allows you to ride in one Hunt Members Race only. Payment may be in the form of a personal cheque, bankers draft or building society cheque. CASH OR POSTAL ORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
If you are under 18 years of age you will need to provide parental/guardian consent with your application.
If you fall into any of the following categories, you will need to make an appointment with your own GP to complete a four-page Medical Report Form (supplied by the British Horseracing Authority). You will then need to return this and any other confidential medical documentation (ie Health Declaration) to BHA’s Medical Department before any RQC can be issued. Your RQC application form and cheque needs to be sent separately to the Point to Point Authority as they will ultimately arrange the issuing of your RQC.
Categories of Riders who will need their GP to complete the Medical Report Form:
All first time applicants.
Applicants who, on 1st December 2008, are aged 50 or over – or who reach 50 before 30th June 2009 – will require an annual 4 page medical.
Applicants who, on 1st December 2008, are aged 60 or over – or who reach 60 before 30th June 2009 – will require an annual 4 page medical and the results of a recent exercise stress test.
Please note that riders who have undergone a medical as part of the process for obtaining a current Amateur Rider’s Permit will NOT need to undergo an additional medical to receive a Point-to-Point Riders Qualification Certificate.
If you will be over 60 years of age at any stage during the current season you must contact Prue Bester in the British Horseracing Authority Medical Department (0207 189 3838) immediately.
Your Application Form (with the exception of the Declaration of Health and (if required) Medical Report Form) and payment must be sent to the Point to Point Authority.
YOU MUST ALLOW AT LEAST 3 WEEKS FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE PROCESSED.
The money you have paid for your RQC is your premium for joining the compulsory insurance scheme that has been agreed with the Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association (PPORA). (A small administrative fee is included in the cost). You will therefore be eligible for compensation should you have an accident from weigh-out to weigh-in during Point-to-Point races for which you hold an RQC.
As long as the BHA Chief Medical Adviser is happy with the Declaration of Health Form you have completed and the Medical Report Form your GP has completed (if required), your RQC and a Medical Record Book (MRB) will be sent to you within 3 weeks. The MRB is a "one-off" document which belongs to the British Horseracing Authority and which you will hold until it is full or you have finished your riding career. Only MRBs that have been issued by the British Horseracing Authority, the Horseracing Regulatory Authority or the Stewards of the Jockey Club if issued before1st January 2005 are acceptable in Point-to-Points. Details of all your injuries and any medical suspensions will be written in your MRB by Point-to-Point Doctors or Racecourse Medical Officers (if you ride under Rules as an Amateur). You will also be sent details of your Insurance cover (and who to contact should you wish to make a claim) with your RQC/MRB.
Prospective applicants with existing medical conditions or who are currently taking medication should apply to the British Horseracing Authority’s Chief Medical Adviser, for information and advice by ringing 0207 189 3838.
If the Chief Medical Adviser needs further information on illnesses or injuries you may have suffered he will contact your GP. This may delay the issuing of an RQC. In certain cases the Chief Medical Adviser will refuse an RQC application. If this happens to you, you can appeal against the decision (Regulation 2 (ii)) through the Licensing Committee.
Once you receive your RQC and MRB you have the necessary documentation to ride in Point-to-Points.
WHICH RACES CAN I RIDE IN? [Regulation 51]
If you have a "full" RQC you can ride in the following races:-
Hunt Members races (up to a maximum of 3 – unless you are also a novice rider in which case you may ride in up to 4 such races in any season) as long as you are a Master, Member, Subscriber, Farmer (or their spouse or child) of the Hunt or Hunts concerned; or have paid to that Hunt the cap for one or more days hunting.
If the conditions of a Hunt Members race state "To be ridden by those qualified to enter" you cannot ride if you have paid only the cap to the Hunt because to qualify to enter a horse you have to be a Member, Master, Farmer or Subscriber of that Hunt.
I you are qualified to ride in a Hunt Members race for which your RQC does not state your eligibility (e.g. you are a Subscriber of Hunt A and Hunt B, you want to ride in the Hunt Members race of Hunt B, but your RQC was signed by the Secretary of Hunt A), you need to get the Hunt Secretary of Hunt B to fill in the relevant section of an RQC application form confirming that you are eligible. You must then take this to the meeting on raceday and hand it to the Declarations Clerk.
Open, Intermediate, Confined, Restricted and Maiden races.
Club, Association or Society races providing you are a member of the organisation concerned, unless otherwise stated in the race conditions, and are eligible under the conditions. Examples include: Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association races or South Midlands Area Club races. Remember to carry proof of your membership.
A growing number of Club races in particular are now for Novice Riders only. A Novice Rider is defined as:
A person who, up until the 28th November 2008, has ridden a total of no more than three winners under the Rules of any Recognised Turf Authority or in any Point-to-Point Steeple Chases
If you have a "Hunt Members only" RQC you can only ride in ONE Hunt Members race for which the RQC states you are eligible. If a Hunt has two meetings and holds a Hunt Members race on both occasions you cannot ride in both races with a single "Hunt Members only" RQC. If you have ridden in your Hunt members’ only race and you wish to ride again in another Point-to-Point race, you can upgrade your RQC by sending the difference between the cost of a full and members RQC to the Point-to-Point Authority.
IS MY RIDING EQUIPMENT ACCEPTABLE? [Appendices C,E,G,H,O of the Regulations]
You should ensure that the riding equipment you intend to use complies with the Regulations for Point-to-Point Steeple Chases.
You must ride in a SKULL CAP and it must comply as follows:-
meet (BS) EN 1384: 1997, or EN 1384: 1996, or PAS 015:1994 standard;
have a CE marking;
be in serviceable condition;
Skull caps shall not have a chin cup, cradle or draw lace.
The chin strap must pass under the jaw and be attached to the harness by a quick release buckle. Metal hooks are expressly forbidden.
The skull cap must be of the correct size for the individual rider, the harness must be correctly adjusted and the chin strap fastened at all times when mounted on a horse.
As skull caps are designed for "single impact only" any skull cap which has been subjected to a severe impact or has been worn by a rider suffering from concussion should not be regarded as serviceable and should be replaced.
If your Skull Cap does not comply you are liable to be fined £50 upwards and will not be permitted to ride until you have one, which meets the requirements.
Your WHIP must comply as follows:
A maximum length, including the flap, of 68 centimetres;
A minimum diameter of 1cm.
The only additional feature that may be attached to the whip is a flap. If a flap is attached it must fall within the following specifications:-
A maximum length of flap from the end of shaft of 10cms;
A maximum width of flap of 4cms, with a minimum of 2cms;
The flap from the end of the shaft must not contain any reinforcements or additions;
There shall be no binding within 23cms of the end of the flap;
The contact area of the shaft must be smooth, with no protrusion or raised surface, and covered by shock absorbing material throughout its circumference such that it gives a compression factor of at least 6mm;
The flap must have similar shock absorbing characteristics to that of the contact area;
The overall weight must not exceed 160 gms.
Clerks of the Scales will from time to time check the whips used by riders to ensure that they fall within the approved specifications. These checks will be carried out at the time of weighing out, and any rider found with a whip which does not conform will be advised that if he carries that whip during a race he will be in breach of Regulation 117.
Random checks will also be made by the Stewards in the Parade Ring, and any rider whose whip does not appear to comply with the specifications will be ordered to report to the Clerk of the Scales for the whip to be checked. If it does not and you continue to ride with it you will be fined £50 upwards.
You may only wear racing boots with racing irons. Racing boots may NOT be worn with hunting irons.
If you intend to use SPURS they must not be sharp, angled or fitted with rowels.
You cannot ride under the Point-to-Point Regulations wearing SPECTACLES or lensed goggles. In the case of people wishing to ride in contact lenses, the lenses must be of the soft type.
You must wear a BODY PROTECTOR whilst weighing out and during the race as is stated in Regulation 115 (iv):
No rider in a Point-to-Point Steeplechase can be weighed out for, or ride in the race unless he is wearing a body protector of a pattern approved by the British Horseracing Authority.
Body protectors must always be in a serviceable condition and not modified. All body protectors must comply with one of the following standards: BS EN 13158:2000 or EN 13158:2000.
All riders receive a 2lb weight allowance for the body protector. This means that if you are due to carry e.g. 12st in line with the race conditions, the scales should actually read 12st 2lb.
If you are ever in any doubt about the BODY PROTECTOR or SKULL CAP you intend to wear you should contact the British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser on 0207 189 3838 who will supply you with details of approved patterns.
REMEMBER: IF YOU ARE NOT WEARING THE CORRECT STANDARD OF SKULL CAP OR BODY PROTECTOR IT IS POSSIBLE THAT YOU WILL INVALIDATE YOUR POINT-TO-POINT RIDERS INSURANCE POLICY.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE I RIDE? [Regulation 50 (ii) and 55 (iii), (iv)]
Riders Qualification Certificate and Medical Record Book.
Proof of membership of certain Societies, Associations etc. (if applicable).
Skull cap.
Body protector.
Whip.
Other riding equipment (e.g. saddle, girths, surcingle and breast plate).
Cheque book or cash.
Medical Record Books and Riders Qualification Certificate
When you arrive at the Point-to-Point you should immediately show your RQC to the Declarations Clerk and leave him your MRB. The MRB must remain with the Clerk until you have finished riding for the day and you have been given the all clear to be released by the Point-to-Point Doctor.
You must not ride if you are currently serving a specified period of medical suspension. Details of such suspensions are listed below and will be recorded in your MRB in RED INK:
For all periods of suspension, the first day of the suspension is the day following the injury.
If you have been declared unfit to ride to ride by a Point-to-Point Doctor you may not ride in a race until you are passed fit to ride by the British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser, or a Racecourse Medical Officer (RMO) or Point-to-Point Doctor on a raceday. Where a period of time is specified in the declaration you may only be passed fit to ride after this time has elapsed. Furthermore, where the injury was a fracture or dislocation you must also provide supporting documentary medical evidence to the Chief Medical Adviser, Racecourse Medical Officer or Point-to-PointDoctor, before you can be passed fit. If you suffer concussion at a point-to-point meeting, you can ONLY be passed fit by the British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser.
If you have an outstanding "unfit to ride" entry in your MRB as recorded by an RMOyou must be passed as fit by:-
An RMO; or
A Point-to-Point Doctor providing the injury was not concussion or a dislocation or fracture.
The British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser
As stated above where a period of time has been specified in your declaration you will only be passed fit after the time has elapsed.
Unless he also happens to act as an RMO you cannot, therefore, expect a Point-to-Point Doctor to allow you to ride on raceday if you have not been passed as fit since e.g. breaking an ankle and being deemed unfit by an RMO at a race meeting under Rules.
If you suffer concussion at a Point-to-Point meeting you can ONLY be passed fit again by the British Horseracing Authority Chief Medical Adviser. All riders who suffer concussion are subject to the British Horseracing Authority Concussion Protocol for Amateur and Point-to-Point Riders currently in place. Your return to riding timescale is likely to be quicker if you already have a series of “cogsport” baseline results. Should you be interested in undergoing the optional baseline testing procedures (cost £40) further details are available from:
The Chief Medical Adviser,The British Horseracing Authority,151 Shaftesbury Avenue
London WC2H 8AL. Tel No. 0207 189 3838
If you are unable to present your RQC you will not be fined but you must sign the relevant form (held by the Declarations Clerk) on which you declare that you do possess one, are in good health, and not currently under a period of medical suspension. You will then be allowed to ride after the Doctor has examined you. The form is returned to the Point-to-Point Authority where your name is cross-checked with the details of RQCs already issued. If it is then evident that you do not actually possess an RQC you will be subject to a Disciplinary Panel hearing and a suspension / fine. If you lose your RQC you must contact the Point-to-Point Authority immediately. You will be reissued with an RQC but will have to pay a smalladministration charge.
If you are unable to present your MRB you will be fined £60. You must also sign the relevant form on which you declare that you do possess an MRB and are notcurrently under a period of medical suspension. You will then be allowed to ride once the Point-to-Point Doctor has examined you. The form is returned to the Point-to-Point Department where your name is cross-checked with the details of MRBs already issued. Please note: the £60 fine will be waived if you sign the same form and declare that your MRB is currently with the BHA Licensing Department as part of the process of applying for an Amateur Permit to ride under the Rules of Racing. Your name will again be cross-checked with the Licensing Department's list of outstanding Amateur Rider applications.
If you lose your MRB you must contact the Point-to-Point Department immediately. You will be reissued with a replacement MRB but will have to pay a £45 replacement fee.
Walking the Course
To ensure you do not fall foul of Regulation 126 (ii) or (iii) you should walk the course before racing. Under Regulation 114 (vii) you must acquaint yourself in advance with the correct course over which you are to ride. You may not obtain the best possible placing if you are not familiar with the course.
HOW AND WHEN DO I WEIGH OUT? [Regulations 111-119]
You cannot weigh out unless you have already been declared to ride three quarters of an hour before the scheduled race time. However, if because of unavoidable circumstances a rider who has been declared to ride is unable to do so, you can act as a substitute providing the horse has not come under Starters Orders and there would be no unreasonable delay.
You may be declared to ride up to two horses if is anticipated that the Safety Factor in any race will be exceeded and the race subsequently divides.
If you have been declared to ride two horses in the anticipation that the Race will divide, it is your responsibility, before the time of declaration, to state the preferred horse to the Declarations Clerk and inform the owners of the non-preferred horse that if the race does not divide you will be unable to ride their horse. It will then be the owner’s responsibility prior to declarations closing, to inform the Declarations Clerk whether the horse will be either withdrawn or an alternative rider will be substituted if the race does not divide.
You must weigh out no less than quarter of an hour before the scheduled race time. If you are late to weigh out or late entering the Parade Ring you are liable to be fined a minimum of £50.
When weighing out (or indeed weighing in) you must put onto the scale and include in your weight everything that the horse is to carry (or has carried) except:
whipskull cap bridle rings platesblinkershoodvisor breast girtheye shieldeye cover martingalecheek piecesbreast plateneck strapanything worn on the horse's legs muzzleRiders are required to wear body protectors in all races and you receive a 2lb weight allowance for this (see 5.6). e.g. If you are due of officially carry 12st, the scales must read 12st 2lb.
f the horse you are riding is to run in a hood fitted with blinkers, or any combination of hood, blinkers, visor, eye shield, or eye cover these items must be presented to the Clerk of the Scales prior to weighing out.
If you intend to carry over-weight you must declare the amount when weighing out.
When you have been declared to ride under Regulation 111 it shall be an offence if you do not come under Starter’s Orders unless the Stewards are satisfied that this was due to:
illness, or rider declared unfit to ride;
unqualified rider;
some other circumstances acceptable to the Stewards
If the circumstances are not acceptable to the Stewards a fine of £100 will be imposed.
You are responsible for the fit condition of the saddle which you use.
It is the Owner's responsibility to ensure that:-
the horse is qualified and carries the correct weight;
the horse is properly saddled when it leaves the parade ring;
the horse carries the correct number cloth;
the colours you ride in are the correct ones and do not contain any advertising.
WHAT DO I DO AT THE START? [Regulation 26]
You are not allowed to jump a fence before the race itself.
You must leave the Parade Ring in good time so as to ensure there is no undue delay at the start. If the Stewards feel you are causing an undue delay to the start, they have the power to withdraw your horse.
When you arrive at the start you must place yourself under the Starter's control.
The Starter has full power to remove any unruly horse. You may ask permission from the Starter for your horse to be held but it must be held "at a stand" behind the other runners.
Misconduct (e.g. lining up before being instructed to do so) by a rider at the start is an offence and you are liable to be fined.
The Starter will raise his flag, indicating that the horses are under starters’ orders and the race will start when this is lowered. The "recall man" will be positioned around 70 - 100 yards down the course and will lower his raised white flag when the Starter declares a "fair" start.
FALSE STARTS [Regulation 26]
If the Starter believes there has been a false start he will keep his flag raised (or raise it again if it had been lowered) and the "recall man" will remain in position with his flag raised.
You should pull your horse up and return to the start as soon as possible. If you complete a circuit of the course or fell/unseated when a false start has been declared, you will be withdrawn from the race. You will also be in breach of the Regulations.
TAKING THE CORRECT COURSE [Regulations 122 + 126]
All red flags must be passed on the rider's right; white flags on the left (except when bypassing a fence).
If your horse has refused at a fence, you are not allowed to be given a lead over any fence by a mounted person not riding in the race. Your horse will be disqualified if you do so.
If your horse runs the wrong side of a flag or misses a fence you must turn back and ride the course correctly from the point in question. Your horse will be disqualified if you do not. If you knowingly continue in the race when your horse has taken the wrong course you will be guilty of an offence and fined upwards of £75.
Where sets of Direction Markers with Black & Yellow Chevrons have been inserted in a fence you must go around the fence and continue in the race. Your horse will be disqualified and you will be guilty of an offence (unless there are exceptional circumstances) if you ignore the direction markers and jump the fence. Doctors and vets could well be treating injuries on the other side of the fence.
REMEMBER: DIRECTION MARKERS WITH BLACK & YELLOW CHEVRONS TELL YOU THAT THE FENCE MUST NOT BE JUMPED.
WHEN MIGHT I BE GUILTY OF A RIDING OFFENCE? [Regulation 123 and 125-128]
You must always ride safely and make every effort to obtain the best possible placing.
FAILURE TO OBTAIN THE BEST POSSIBLE PLACING
You shall ride every horse on its merits and give it the full opportunity to obtain the best possible placing. The Stewards will hold an enquiry if the answer to any of the two following questions is "No":
Was the horse asked for sufficient effort ?
Was it ridden to obtain the best possible placing ?
If the Stewards decide that you failed to ride out for a place you will be fined £75upwards. If they believe you failed to ride out for first place (due to ill-judgement or negligence) you will be fined £150 upwards. If they believe you concealed the horse’s ability and intentionally failed to obtain the best placing, you will be fined £250upwards or the matter will be referred to Shaftesbury Avenue. The Stewards will also find the owner guilty of an offence if they decide that his riding instructions have caused you to be “in breach” of the Regulations. If the Stewards think you were using the course as a “schooling ground” for the horse they may suspend you for the rest of the meeting and/ or fine you £90 or more. “Schooling” would include a situation where your horse may have refused early in the race and you decide to rejoin the field when they return on the next circuit.
RACE RIDING OFFENCES – INTERFERENCE
You must take every possible step to ride correctly and avoid endangering other riders. You should try to keep straight (especially near the finish when tired horses start to hang) and only move in or out when you have plenty of room. If the Stewards of the Meeting think that interference has taken place between horses during a race they can deem it ACCIDENTAL, CARELESS, IMPROPER OR DANGEROUS.
If the Stewards think there has been ACCIDENTAL interference on your part and are satisfied that the interference improved the placing of your mount, your horse will either be placed behind the horse(s) it interfered with if that/those horse(s) finished in the first four, or placed last if that/those horse(s) were not in the first four. You will notbe guilty of a riding offence. Stewards are instructed that the further away from the winning post that an incident occurs (other than Dangerous riding cases), the less likely it is that the result should be changed.
If the Stewards think you are guilty of CARELESS riding (i.e. failing to take all reasonable steps to avoid causing interference, or causing interference as a result of a misjudgement or inattention, including when manoeuvring for position) your horse, if the interference had improved your placing, will be either placed behind the horse(s) it interfered with if it/they were in the first four,placed last. Otherwise, it will retain its placing if it finished behind the horse(s) it interfered with. You will be guilty of an offence and fined £75 upwards (to a maximum of £600) – depending on the individual case, and whether, e.g. it is your second offence of the year.
If the Stewards think you are guilty of IMPROPER RIDING (i.e. if you intentionallystrike another rider or horse, or ride in such a way that would be dangerous but for the fact that it did not cause serious interference) your horse , if the interference had improved your placing, will be either placed behind the horse(s) it interfered with if it/they were in the first four, placed last, or retain its placing if it finished behind the horse(s) it interfered with. You will be guilty of an offence and fined £75 upwards (to a maximum of £600) – depending on the individual case, and whether, e.g. it is your second offence of the year.
If the Stewards think you are guilty of DANGEROUS riding (i.e. causing serious interference by either purposely interfering with another horse or rider, or riding in a way which is far below that of a careful and competent rider) at any point in the race they will disqualify your horse. You will be guilty of an offence and fined £150upwards (to a maximum of £600).
MISUSE OF THE WHIP [Appendix F of the Regulations]
The whip should be used for safety, correction and encouragement only. It must not be used in such a way as to inflict injury. All riders should consider:
Showing the horse the whip and giving it time to respond before hitting it.
sing the whip in the backhand position for a reminder.
Having used the whip, giving the horse a chance to respond before using it again.
Keeping both hands on the reins when using the whip down the shoulder in the backhand position.
Using the whip in rhythm with the horse's stride and close to its side.
Swinging the whip to keep a horse running straight.
The British Horseracing Authority have asked Stewards of Meetings to consider holding an enquiry into any case where a rider has used his whip in such a way as to cause them concern and publish the following examples of uses of the whip which may be regarded as a riding offence:-
Hitting horses which are:
showing no responseclearly winningpast the winning post
Hitting horses:
with the whip arm above shoulder height to the extent of causing injury without giving the horse time to respond
with excessive force rapidly without regard to their stride i.e. twice or more in one stride with excessive frequencyHitting horses in any place EXCEPT:
On the quarters with the whip in either the backhand or forehand position
Down the shoulder with the whip in the backhand position unless exceptional circumstances prevail.
The use of the whip may additionally be judged to be improper in particular circumstances that have not been included above.
If the Stewards think you are guilty of misuse of the whip you will be fined £75upwards. You will be referred to the British Horseracing Authority at Shaftesbury Avenue if you commit three such offences in one season.
FAILURE TO PULL UP LAME OR EXHAUSTED HORSES
Appendix V of the Regulations clarifies that riding a lame or exhausted horse to a finish is unacceptable. The thrill of e.g. completing your first Point-to-Point or continuing grimly a distance behind in order to collect third place prize money is no excuse for not pulling up. The sight of an exhausted horse falling at, or worse still straddling, a fence does the sport no credit and consequently if you are found guilty of this offence you will probably be fined £150 or more.
WHAT ARE THE WEIGHING-IN PROCEDURES? [Regulations 130-132]
It is an offence to dismount before reaching the unsaddling area (unless there are mitigating circumstances). Once you have unsaddled your horse in the designated area you should immediately head for the weighing room/tent and report to the Clerk of the Scales.
You must always remove your own saddle, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
If you finished in the first four and you do not present yourself to the Clerk of the Scales to be weighed-in, your horse will be disqualified (unless there are mitigating circumstances) and you will be fined. The fine will range from £40- £600 and you could be referred to the British Horseracing Authority.
When you weigh-in you must include the same clothes and equipment you used when weighing-out. (See 7.3).
If you weigh-in at 4lbs or more over the weight at which you weighed-out, you will be reported to the Stewards of the meeting but your horse will not be disqualified.
If you weigh-in at 2lbs or more less than you weighed out, your horse will be disqualified.
IF YOU HAD A FALL DURING THE RACE YOU MUST REPORT TO A POINT-TO-POINT DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN YOU BEING FINED £70 (UNLESS THERE ARE EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES).
If the Doctor examining you believes that you may be suffering from concussion he will ask you to follow a brief diagnosis protocol to assist his assessment.
WHAT HAPPENS AT A STEWARDS’ ENQUIRY?
If the Stewards believe there has been a possible breach of the Regulations, or if an incident occurred which may affect the placings, or if there is speculation over the running of a race, they will announce a Stewards Enquiry.
If you are asked to attend an Enquiry you will be introduced to the three Stewards. The Clerk of the Course may also be present and the grounds for their enquiry will be explained to you.
Each witness will firstly be asked questions and the person against whom any allegations are made will also be given the opportunity to state his case, call witnesses and ask questions. The Stewards can ask questions at any time during the proceedings.
All those concerned in the incident will then be asked to leave the room/tent whilst the Stewards make their decision. If you are at the centre of the Enquiry you will be brought back into the room/tent and the Chairman of the Panel will explain the outcome. If you are found guilty of an offence and a fine is imposed you must ensure that this is paid before you leave the course.
You should be aware that a single Steward of the meeting can ask any connection of a horse (including the rider) to account for the poor/improved performance of the animal without necessarily holding a full official enquiry (Appendix S of the Regulations). Depending on the connections’ response a full enquiry might still be held.
HOW DO I LODGE AN OBJECTION? [Regulations 140-142]
If you feel that you have grounds for an objection, you or the owner of the horse should make one in writing within five minutes of the winner weighing-in. The objection needs to be signed by you or the owner and passed onto the Clerk of the Scales or Clerk of the Course together with a deposit of £60. If your objection is unsuccessful the Stewards may withhold the £60 if they deem it to be frivolous.
You can only withdraw an objection with the Stewards' permission.
If you feel that you have grounds for a "technical" objection which does not relate to incidents from weighing-out to weighing-in you can contact the British Horseracing Authority Point-to-Point Department at Shaftesbury Avenue within 14 days of the race meeting.
Costs and expenses of objections eventually heard at Shaftesbury Avenue will be determined by the British Horseracing Authority.
HOW DO I APPEAL?
Any rider can appeal against a raceday decision taken by the Stewards of the Meeting to the Disciplinary Panel of the British Horseracing Authority.
You should lodge a notice of appeal to the Disciplinary Department at Shaftesbury Avenue within seven days of the Stewards' initial decision and accompany this with a deposit of £500 or £220 when a fine of £500 or less is imposed. This deposit shall be forfeited or returned as the British Horseracing Authority considers appropriate. Your notice of appeal must be signed by you or your agent or solicitor and must state the grounds for the appeal in general terms.
Within seven days of making your appeal you must provide all relevant written evidence and representations you wish to be considered by the Disciplinary Panel to the Disciplinary Department.
A date for a hearing at Shaftesbury Avenue will be set and you may or may not have to attend, depending on certain criteria.
The Guidelines for the holding of Disciplinary enquiries by the Disciplinary Panel are laid down in Appendix U of the “The Regulations for Point-to-Point Steeple Chases”.
Certain decisions of the Disciplinary Panel may also be appealed to an Appeal Board of the British Horseracing Authority. The criteria for these appeals are laid down in Appendix Y of the “The Regulations for Point-to-Point Steeple Chases” to which reference should be made in such eventuality.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE LEAVING THE COURSE?
Assuming you are not involved in a Stewards' Enquiry, you must liaise with a Point-to-Point Doctor and the Declarations Clerk before you leave the course. The latter will hand over your MRB. It is your responsibility to check that the correct documents have been returned to you. If you have been injured and are unable to pick up your documents, it is still your responsibility to ensure that you have them when you next ride. Remember, if you do not have your MRB you will be fined £60.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
RIDING IN HUNTER CHASES
If, having obtained your RQC and MRB, you wish to ride in Hunter Chases during the season; you should contact the Licensing Department of the British Horseracing Authority for further details. As part of the process you will be asked to forward your MRB to the British Horseracing Authority. However, you will be able to continue riding in Point-to-Points whilst the MRB is with the Licensing Department as long as you declare this on raceday.
BRITISH HORSERACING AUTHORITY, October 2008
Compiled by Robin Mounsey
