School for jockeys: new hands-and-heels series aims to establish pointing as the go-to place of education for young riders

This point-to-point season is introducing several new initiatives and the latest is launched in just a couple of weeks, when the first race in a hands-and-heels series takes place at Larkhill on January 4.

The series follows the GB Pointing Bonus maiden series and the 0-110 series, both of which have already been hugely welcomed and well supported by participants.

The hands-and-heels series, which is sponsored by the Point-To-Point Authority and the Jockey Club, seeks to put pointing firmly at the forefront of trialling new initiatives that are for the good of racing, and should help to establish the sport as the go-to first school for not only horses but jockeys.

It is restricted to novice riders who have ridden no more than ten winners, with ten races taking place across Britain from January to May. Points will be awarded to the first, second, third and fourth-placed jockeys, and the one with the most points will be recognised at the PPA national awards at Cheltenham in the summer. 

Riders are permitted to carry a whip but must use them only down the shoulder in the backhand position, with both hands on the reins, when approaching an obstacle, or for clear and unequivocal safety purposes.

Paul Miller, chief executive of the Point-To-Point Authority, said: “I’m really looking forward to this new series and I hope it will be well supported. It offers another opportunity to reinforce pointing’s position as the grassroots of British jump racing. 

"We talk a lot about point-to-points being the ideal learning ground for young jockeys at the start of their career. This initiative shows we are serious about the part we play and, if it is a success, then it could become a key part of the point-to-point racing calendar.”

From my own experience in the saddle, I know that, for any young rider starting out, the many variables of race-riding can be daunting, and the correct use of the whip is a common challenge, one that jockey coaches and mentors work hard to perfect. Struggling with balance when using the whip isn't uncommon, so removing the option to use it should improve riding skills and develop style.

Will Ramsay, whose 2023 initiative Jockey Start was designed to help aspiring jockeys get their first ride in point-to-points, described it as a “great” idea, adding: “Young jockeys need to learn and practice the skill of encouraging a horse using hands, arms, heels and legs. I believe these have more effect than the whip.”

Jockey coach and former jump jockey Charlie Poste agrees, saying: “It’s an excellent idea. I’m a real advocate for trying new things, and this is a brilliant addition. It prioritises young riders to focus on the key skills like balance and a strong pushing technique, supported by a stable base. 

"This can then develop the right lessons and the ability to learn that the whip is the last resort.”

Poste added: “We need new people and new horses, and being innovative with race planning has to be the way forward. We want to be viewed as a professional racing academy, and, as it stands right now, 50 per cent of the top ten professional jockeys and more than 75 per cent of the top ten conditional jockeys started within pointing. 

"But the introduction of this series shows the future is being considered, and we can become an even bigger source of talent for racing under rules.”

Festive fixtures

Sunday, December 28
Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire DY10 4QT. Gates open 9am, first race 11am.

Wednesday, December 31
Horseheath, Cambridgeshire CB21 4QP. Gates open 9am, first race 11.30am.

Read these next:

Twig and Mr Vango do British point-to-pointing proud in their thrilling Becher Chase battle 

Brian Lawless joins the growing list of riders also training point-to-point winners

Now in its 15th year, the Racing Post Annual is firmly established as the perfect Christmas gift for any horseracing fan. With a glittering line-up of the year's best horses and races, this 208-page book is a must for every horseracing fan. Order your copy here or call 01933 304776.