Roadmap leads to Bratton Down in Devon for return of spectators on May 17

Having been lucky enough to attend point-to-points behind closed doors – by virtue of a media pass – I can confirm they are a triumph of endeavour, but short on atmosphere.

Only point-to-pointing can combine the informality of a family day out, a fair amount of freedom to roam and the adrenaline buzz that comes from horse racing with betting, but remove the crowd and you take away the life if not the blood.

This cannot have been felt more keenly by competitors at Cheltenham’s evening hunter chase meeting last week, when for many a career high or first winner at the famous venue was played out in front of an empty grandstand.