Qualifying

2008 QUALIFYING

The following was taken from the Racing Post web site on Wed. 26th July

Owners and trainers of point-to-pointers in Britain have been advised their horses will be able to race next season.

Horses have to attend four drag or trail hunts each year in order to gain a hunter's certificate, but hound packs across Britain have been grounded since last month as part of a strategy to reduce the risk of foot and mouth spreading.

With the new pointing season due to kick off on December 2, trainers have been running short of time to qualify horses.

However, the Masters of Foxhounds Association has stated that certificates will be issued at the discretion of its members.

The point-to-point fraternity is crossing its fingers there will be no delay to the start of the season - three major team chase events, all outside of the protection zone have been postponed or cancelled - and with many point-to-points held on farmland, there is an obvious threat to the sport.

When foot and mouth hit Britain in February 2001, pointing shut down for the season, even though racing under rules continued at several courses. Additional hunter chases were staged to enable point-to-point owners to run their horses.