Talk:Point-to-point (steeplechase)

What's the difference between a point to point and a steeplechase?

Am. vs Pro Culnacreann 23:40, 19 September 2006 (UTC)

a steeplchase is a race over fences a point to point is a type of steeplechase

a point to point is run under p2p regulations as opposed to jockey club rules

the principal difference between p2p regulations and rules is that only a trainer licensed by the jockey club can run a horse under a rules (except for hunter chases); anyone can run a horse in a point to point, subject to paying a fee etc

horses have to qualify to be eligible to run in points, ie the horse has to be hunted; there is no such requirement in relation to horses run under rules (except for horses running in hunter chases)

the fences are smaller in point to points

point to points are all run over 3 miles (subject to exceptions); races under rules will be of differing lengths, so at a point to point meeting nearly all of the races will be over the same distance whereas at a national hunt meeting each race on any day is likely to be run over a different distance

only amateur jockeys may ride in points; many jockeys riding regularly under rules are amateurs (eg Marcus Armitage who rode Mr Frisk in the Grand National) but most are professional

Merge

Given the stagnant nature of this article, and the topic, I suggest merging it into Steeplechase (horse racing). --Una Smith (talk) 23:49, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

There does need to be some clarification in both articles. Although they share a similar history I know that point-to-point is a far more specific thing than steeplechase races in general (like the grand national). Point to points are organised by the Point-to-Point Board (PTPB) - more info on this website - [www.pointtopoint.co.uk].

There is another article - National Hunt racing which essentially is a round up of steeplechase in the UK so perhaps should be looked into merging with Steeplechase. I will have a look at adding more clarification to Point to point (steeplechase) if i get a minute but if anyone fancies it i suggest the previous mentioned official website is a good starting point. With regards to this merger business; Point to point (steeplechase) should be left alone but National Hunt racing may be worthwhile looking into... extraordinary (talk) 15:36, 1 October 2008 (UTC)

Oh, and if you read all the bumf at the top of this talk page as i've just done you'll see the full clarification. Guess that just needs putting on the main article page with some references. extraordinary (talk) 15:38, 1 October 2008 (UTC)

I would strongly argue for this page to retain its independence given that amatuer horse racing is still a popular sport with fixture every weekend all over the UK and Ireland. As others have stated it has separate governing bodies and operates under different rules: trainers cannot train professionally and in point-to-points. If someone can give me some direction as to where more details could be added I would be happy to undertake improvement of this article. Indie (talk) 07:57, 10 February 2024 (UTC)

Assessment

I am aware that rating this as "Mid" importance might be a bit controversial, but it is a distinct racing discipline, even though there are big overlaps with National Hunt.  Tigerboy1966  18:21, 23 May 2012 (UTC)

I think the term is used, at least archaically, in the USA as well. Wonder if Racing project has any criteria for assessment, WPEQ marks everything "low" unless there's a darn good reason for something higher. We may be a bit harsh, but seems to minimize assesment wars as people are less sad if that's the default so they don't feel insulted by it. And I think it's in line with overall WP assessment criteria. But open to discussion. Montanabw^(talk) 23:21, 23 May 2012 (UTC)