surrey days out
PEPER HAROW S
pring is in the air and it’s the perfect time to experience a great day of jump horse racing along with a traditional day out in the countryside for all the family. There’s a great opportunity to join the horses and jockeys at Surrey’s premier Point-to-Point at Peper Harow Park on Saturday 30th April where gates open at 11am and admission costs £12 per adult, children under 16 free.
Point-to-point racing has its roots in steeple chasing which originated in Ireland where thoroughbred horses raced from church steeple to church steeple. The first steeplechase is believed to have resulted from a wager in 1752 between Cornelius O’Callaghan and Edmund Blake, racing four miles cross-country from Buttevant Church to St Leger Church in Doneraile in Cork. Most of the early steeplechases were contested cross country rather than on a track.
Point-to-Point races today are normally run over a minimum of three miles, usually two circuits of a course with a number of
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fences some with ditches. Though horses are typically thoroughbreds, the jockeys are amateurs, and there are a variety of point-to-point courses throughout the UK. There is no dress code – where whatever you like. The season starts in November and goes through to mid- June, so it could be wellies or sun cream!
There is a long tradition of point-to- pointing at Peper Harow, where the stunning course is just off the B3001 Elstead to Milford Road just two minutes from the A3. The first point-to-point was held there in the 1950’s by kind permission of the Baker family in the wonderful grounds overlooked by Peper Harow House. Racing has taken place every year since then with Pugin’s Victorian Gothic ruined chapel and the house providing a romantic backdrop to the popular course. The Peper Harow course runs in a right handed direction and horses gallop over eight fences in two and a half circuits of the course. Both the start and finish are positioned on the central straight section and you can get a great view by parking on
For a Surrey Day 0ut with a difference – why not try Point-to-Point Racing
either side of this stretch. As well as the racing there are a variety of trade stands, a funfair for the children and plenty of places to picnic. The Hogs Back Brewery will be hosting the bar and beer garden with a great selection of beers to sample. The first race is at 2pm but get there
early to secure a really good spot. There are six races during the afternoon and it’s a great day out for all the family. For further details visit
www.surreyunion.com/ point-to-point.html
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