At The Point-to-Point Authority Board meeting on Thursday 15th May, the PPA adopted most of the recommendations made by the p2p working group which has been evaluating race types, conditions and penalties this season. The committee was formed to assess if the current race types work effectively and offer enough racing opportunities for our horse population and demographic. The group will stay together to act as a race planning committee, helping fixtures select the most suitable types of races for their meeting.
Although some finer details with regards to penalties etc have still to be ironed out, we wanted to get as much information out as possible for those travelling to the Doncaster Sales.
We will aim to fully update by end day Monday 19th May.
The main points, which will come into effect for the 2025/26 season are:
Maiden Races . Overall unchanged
o Scheduling of an enhanced series of 4-&-5-years old Maiden Races across the calendar. We are currently in consultation with parties offering substantial bonuses for horses successfully progressing under-rules from this series. We are hoping to announce the details and confirmed bonuses in July.
Restricted Race
o Unchanged
Intermediate Race
o Unchanged
Conditions Race
o REMOVED. WILL NO LONGER TAKE PLACE
New category (name to be confirmed)
o Name of race category and penalties to be confirmed early this week ahead of Doncaster p2p sales
o For horses that have never had a rating of over 110 under rules and haven’t won an Open p2p (or potentially HC) in the current or previous season
o Horse will be able to win 2 races at this level before becoming ineligible
o We are additionally working with a number of stakeholders on a separate sponsored series for this category of race. Taking place across the country and culminating in a final at a licensed course with substantial prize money
New category (name to be confirmed)
o Name of race category and penalties to be confirmed early this week ahead of Doncaster p2p sales
o For horses that have not won more than one Open in the current or previous season
o Penalty system will ensure horses must move into Opens after two wins in this category
Open Races
o Penalties and date when they are calculated from will change (final details will be announced early this week ahead of Doncaster p2p Sales)
Novice Rider allowances
o 5lb claiming allowance extended up to 10 wins
o Claimable for ALL race types except Flat races, Maiden races and Novice Rider races
Hands and Heels Races
o Introduction of Hands and Heels series with National Championship Winner at PPA Awards
We will provide a fuller update after the weekend but wanted to get as much information out as possible for those planning to attend the Doncaster p2p sales