Point-to-point column: bonus qualifiers join powerful yards

The GB Pointing Bonus Young Horse Maiden Series continues to deliver on its promise of adding commercial firepower to British point-to-pointing, with two more bonus qualifiers emerging over the weekend of 21–22 February and both already sold on to leading British yards.

At Alnwick Racecourse on February 21, French-bred Titi Montmartre struck for trainer Chris Barber. Ridden by Ed Doggrell, he secured a £15,000 bonus, available to overseas-bred winners who go on to score under rules within two years from a licensed British yard.

Just 24 hours later at Badbury Rings Racecourse, Six Two Three landed the corresponding contest for Will Biddick, again partnered by Doggrell, qualifying for the £25,000 bonus available to British-bred horses.

Both horses have since been sold privately and remain on track to redeem their respective bonuses.

Six Two Three has joined the powerful yard of Dan Skelton. 

Skelton says: “He is a lovely horse with a great British pedigree. He was very impressive in his maiden point-to-point and looks a big rangey horse. We are delighted for him to join the team and will look to run him in bumpers next year. 

"Obviously, he’s eligible for that £25,000 bonus and hopefully has a big future.” 

Titi Montmartre will continue his career under the joint training partnership of Johnston White and Philip Hobbs. 

White says: “The GB Pointing Bonus is a fantastic initiative and we love supporting British point-to-pointing.”

Their swift sales underline one of the central aims of the initiative: to increase visibility, value and demand for young British-trained point-to-pointers.

Backed by the British Horseracing Authority and the Horserace Betting Levy Board, and supported through race sponsorship by Tattersalls Cheltenham and Goffs UK, the series offers:

£25,000 to British-bred winners

£15,000 to overseas-bred winners

- provided they subsequently win under rules within two years in Britain in qualifying novice or developmental company.

With four winners already sold into established British National Hunt operations, the commercial impact of the scheme is becoming increasingly clear.

While recent sales success highlights the commercial strength of the GB Pointing Bonus Series, last weekend’s action at Charm Park showcased its racing appeal.

Kingofthefrontier defied his 5-1 odds to land the Tattersalls Cheltenham-sponsored contest under a cool ride from Joe Wright.

Trained by Cherry Coward, the five-year-old quickened decisively through a gap on the home turn to win by five lengths, advertising both professionalism and potential on debut. A son of Frontiersman, he is now for sale and, as a British-bred, qualifies for the £25,000 bonus should he win under rules within two years from a licensed British yard.

The series now moves on to Didmarton and Charlton Horethorne this weekend, where a mix of established names and emerging talent adds further intrigue.

Among those preparing for a landmark weekend is first-time trainer Grace Mogg, who is set to saddle Hoo’s The Jet. Previously runner-up in the series at Chaddesley Corbett Racecourse under Darren Andrews, the five-year-old was sold at Tattersalls Cheltenham before joining the Dorset yard of Syd Hosie, where Mogg serves as assistant and is working toward a dual licence.

Meanwhile, Luca Morgan, who trained the series’ first-ever winner at Lower Machen, is targeting another success with the highly regarded Daily Offender, purchased at the Goffs Arkle Sale for €35,000 after catching his eye as a standout store.

With established operators such as Josh Newman also strongly represented across the weekend entries, the depth and competitiveness of the series continues to build.

From first-time trainers launching careers, to six-figure resale potential and meaningful bonuses at the end of the road, the GB Pointing Bonus Series is increasingly proving to be more than just a race programme, it is becoming a defined pathway.

Didmarton, Glos, GL9 1EA – first race 1.00. 7 races, 112 entries

High Easter, Essex, CM1 4QL – 1.00. 6 races, 53 entries

Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham, LL13 0DA – 1.00. 6 races, 67 entries

Charlton Horethorne, Dorset, DT9 4LJ – 12.30. 7 races, 68 entries

Friars Haugh, Borders, TD5 8LT – 1.00. 6 races, 79 entries

Guilsborough, Northants, NN6 8SR – 1.00. 6 races, 57 entries