The three types of point-to-point riders who make the sport so special

The 2025/26 point-to-point season is well underway and there have been many new riders applying for licences.

Participating in point-to-points as a rider is easily divided into three categories. 

There are the familiar names, the top jockeys who dominate the sport and make a profession out of it. 

Then we have those taking part alongside their day jobs, maybe a job within racing but often someone for whom it is very much a hobby. 

And then we have those use pointing to hopefully ready themselves for a career as a professional jockey. 

As an amateur sport, the point-to-point community is proud that participants can compete on a level playing field and it is not unusual to see one of those “having a go” type riders upstaging a big name. This scenario makes for exciting racing and memories made. 

James King, who has been an elite point-to-point and amateur jockey, says: “I have remained within pointing for my time as a jockey. There are so many lads turn conditional and sadly go by the wayside for whatever reason. 

“I decided that riding for good people on good horses meant more to me. I have been very lucky and I enjoy being a big fish in a small pond and long may it continue.” 

John Morrey is a director at Tattersalls and based in Newmarket. He has been riding in point-to-points as a hobby since 2001. 

He says: “I was hunting mad growing up and once I was working and could afford to buy a horse, I did. 

“My first horse was Find Out More and I remember after a few unsuccessful goes we finally got round and finished fourth at Kingston Blount. On that occasion I had various friends dotted around the course encouraging me.” 

Morrey has ridden most seasons since with a few gaps due to lack of horsepower. 

He recognises how much more professional the sport has become and says: “Jenny Owen trains my horses now and things have moved on so much since the early days. It is my hobby and I love it. It keeps me fit and is such a buzz. I have had around eight or ten horses over the years and they have all been a schoolmaster type.” 

Morrey has ridden two winners and had several placed rides but is proof that that there is a place for everyone in the sport. 

He admits: Ultimately, I am a passenger, and the right horse is so important, I love it.” 

Sixteen-year-old Lucas Murphy, son of former Grand National-winning  jockey Timmy, rode his first winner at Chaddesley Corbett on the December 28 on only his second ride and says: “I have always wanted to be a jockey but Mum is adamant I must do my A levels, so I am doing them at Malborough college. 

“I have always been involved with pointing through pony racing and it is a great starting point, anyone can have a go. A couple of seasons pointing is such a good grounding and I wouldn't consider turning conditional until I have done a couple of seasons pointing.” 

Having her first ride in the same race was Lucy Tilley aboard her own Benefaktor, she says: “My Nan was a point-to-point jockey, she rode the horses her dad trained so racing has always been within the family. From when I was about five years old I always insisted on wearing goggles and pretending to be a jockey with ridiculously short stirrups. 

“Emma Bishop was a massive help to me and I took a real interest in the training side. I love training and riding my horse. My goal is to keep learning and appreciate any opportunities.” 

In my experience, having helped a few novice riders to get going the “right” horse is imperative 

Riding at your best and learning is far easier if your horse is the right fit. Everyone is different and what suits a 6ft lad could be different to what works for a 5ft girl, but there are certainly many jockeys riding today thankful for the correct schoolmaster. 

At the close of 2025, at Horseheath on New Years Eve, two of Warwickshire's top stables were seen at their best. Girl power was order of the day. 

Gina Andrews trained and rode a double with Fairly Famous in the Ladies Open and Entity Of Substanz in the Restricted race. These victories extended Andrew's lead at the top of the riding table and in the trainers’ table for large yards she leads Josh Newman by one. 

Fran Poste was delighted to train her first treble. She has trained multiple winners across cards in the past, but admitted that training three on the same card was special. 

Poste thrives on living life in the fast lane and recently had a baby boy, Issac, yet has seemingly been carrying on as normal. 

She says: “People within pointing are so kind and we have a lot of support. Tristan Durrell’s Mum held Isaac whilst I put the saddle on one of the runners and everyone gets stuck in. Whilst you can’t quite carry on totally as normal it is amazing how much you can get done.” 

Reflecting on Horseheath, she says: “It was such a brilliant and crazy day. Glancing Hill looks progressive and exciting, Hubrisko and Cerys backed up their Chaddesley Corbett wins nicely and I was so pleased with the Maiden winner Kirsch De Cotte whose owner has been incredibly patient.” 

There was a clip on social media of Poste in the car in the morning loaded up with dogs, baby and all things New Years Eve and I asked her about this. 

“We were co-hosting a party with Mum and Dad on New Year's Eve, so I had a car full; the dogs, Isaac, champagne glasses and everything we needed for a few days,” she said. “The party went off with a bang finishing well into New Year’s Day.” 

Overall, pointing people tend to live by the “work hard, play hard motto”. I remember the long, cold days where things may not have quite gone to plan. When they do, it is important to celebrate. 

Ampton, East Anglia, IP31 1NS. Gates open 10.00 am. First race 12.00 pm. 6 races. 

Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire, YO60 6TN. First race 11.45. 6 races. 

Wadebridge, Cornwall, PL27 7JE. Gates open 9.30 am. First race 11.30 am. 6 races.