THE first of a series of pony races is just a few weeks away and many young riders have their sights set on getting their ponies fit and qualified to run in 2007. There will be seven races in the Devon and Cornwall area this season —mid-Devon on Sunday, February 4, Dart Vale and Haldon Harriers at Buckfastleigh on Sunday, March 11, the South Devon at Ideford Arch on Monday, April 9, Axe Vale at Stafford Cross near Seaton on Sunday, April 29, Dulverton West at Bratton Down on Saturday, May 19 , South Tetcott at Upcott Cross, near Okehampton on Monday, May 28, and Torrington Farmers at Umberleigh on June 16. Points accumulated by riders will go forwards to the final at Umberleigh where trophies and prizes to the winners will be presented. The course at Umberleigh runs in the opposite direction to the point-to-point with an uphill finish and was a great spectacle at the traditional end of season meeting last year. Point-to-point pony races nationally will be sponsored by Charles Owen who will be giving all riders a goody bag. Riders have to attend either four meets of the local hunt or four pony club rallies with their ponies to qualify. The hunt secretary or pony club district commissioner will sign a form when they have qualified. Races are for ponies under 138cm and under 148 cm and for riders between the ages of 9 and 15. Ponies have to be vaccinated against equine influenza and those which are close to the height limits must have a height certificate from the Joint Measurement Board. Entry fees are £15 per race and should be made to the secretary of the point-to-point holding the meeting. Races are held over approximately six furlongs. David Bryant and Sara Townrow, who have an all-weather gallop near Wadebridge in Cornwall, have kindly offered to open it up, for free, to those intending to compete in pony racing this season, on Sunday, January 14, after 12 noon. All riders need to do is to ring David Bryant on 01208 269499 to book in. For more information about pony racing in the Devon and Cornwall area contact coordinator Lee Glanville on 01752 830439. For details of the Mid Devon pony races on February 4 call Sophie Price 01837 851321.
