Point-to-point returns to Hackwood Park (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Point-to-point returns to Hackwood Park

10:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport

THE Cheltenham Festival may come to an end today – but north Hampshire racing fans will be able to get a further fix of the sport when point-to-point racing returns to Hackwood Park.

The track, situated to the south of Basingstoke, will host the first of its two 2013 meetings on Sunday, with seven races due to take place over the fences.

The first race of the Hampshire Hunt meeting, sponsored by Knight Frank, is due off at 2pm, but the steeplechases will be preceded by two other events. First up is a race for ponies, ridden by children under the age of 16, at 12.45pm, while a charity flat race, being held to raise money for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, will take place at 1pm.

In addition to the racing, a funfair will be among the amusements for children, while trade stands and bookmakers will keep adults occupied, with food and drink also available.

The highlight of the day is likely to be the Aga Ladies Open, part of the popular series sponsored by Aga, with the top lady rider at the end of the season winning a state of the art digital Aga cooker.

Richard Langley, the clerk of the course, expects Hackwood Park to be in good condition despite this week’s cold snap.

“The going is currently soft and a good cover of grass lessens the danger of any frost getting into the ground,” he said. “We anticipate perfect jumping ground on Sunday.”

Entry to the course costs either £20 or £30 per car, regardless of the number of passengers. Hackwood Park’s second meeting of the season will take place on Easter Monday, April 1.