Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point

In my part of Somerset our version of the Cheltenham Festival is the Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point held at Ston Easton. Well, it’s not quite that standard but to the amateur observer like me it is just as much fun.

The first of six races starts at 12.30pm and these are followed by two pony races for younger riders aged between nine and 15.

These pony races are a relatively recent innovation at point to points which provide interest and excitement for families and are a firm favourite with the crowds, rounding off the day’s racing in an informal, yet competitive and thoroughly enjoyable manner.

However, what astounds me about all point to points - the Mendip Farmers’ event is no exception - is the huge amount of work put in to make this one-day event such a great success.

There is so much to be organised, ranging from the health and safety involving doctors, ambulances and paramedics to making sure the appropriate bar licences have been secured. And that is before the course has been built, marquees erected, hospitality sorted, stewards and car parking arranged, tickets printed, trade stands set up, etc.

The list of tasks seems endless and without the generous support of many local businesses and individuals who sponsor aspects of the event, and of course all the time given freely by the committee, it would simply not be affordable.

But the racing is what it is all about and over the years the Mendip community has had its successes both locally and nationally.

For instance during the 1970s, Max Churches produced top horses, such as Rich Rose and Panmure, both of which won hunterchases, while in 1988, Mendip girl Jenny Litson, daughter of successful point to point owner Bill Gooden, achieved her goal of becoming Champion Ladies Jockey.

In recent years, more success has been seen with horses such as Double Silk, Earthmover and Double Thriller. All three set course records at the Mendip Farmers’ Point to Point, reached the top of the hunterchasing field and progressed to the higher reaches of National Hunt racing.

So, why not come along on Sunday and join the fun? There will be good quality horse racing, bookies, the Tote, bars, trade stands and a great atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy and all at a very reasonable cost for a family day’s entertainment.  

James Stephen MRICS FAAV
Partner
Rural Practice Chartered Surveyor, Wells
T: 01749 683381
E: james.stephen@carterjonas.co.uk