THE future of point-to-point racing is likely to be decided over the next few months, writes Peter Mansell.

Enthusiasts will follow proceedings with interest as legislation, which has the potential to decimate this popular pastime, makes its way through the parliamentary process.

It seems incredible that a sport that has produced six Cheltenham Gold Cup, three King George Chase, two Hennessy Gold Cup, two Attheraces Gold Cup and several Grand National winners over the last ten years should face an uncertain future.

Point to points are inextricably linked to hunting. Arguments have been put forward that the sport will survive whatever MPs decide at Westminster, but if so, it will be on a much reduced scale and nothing like the thriving sport we have now.

There are 14 point-to-point areas within the UK, staging 208 meetings over 120 individual courses. The Malvern and Ledbury areas benefit from a wealth of talent, both human and equine. This augurs well for the new season, which starts at Cottenham this Sunday.

Owners and trainers

THE following owners and trainers are just some of the plethora of participants located throughout this area.

The stable profile identifies horses remaining from last year and new prospects for the coming season.

Janet Hughes (Castlemorton), new horses for 2003 - none: The Malvern area also figures prominently in the preparation of point to pointers. Rocket Radar had his best ever season last year and is reported to be in good shape after plenty of roadwork. It remains to be seen whether he can match last year's efforts. Stablemate Cider Man finally got off the mark at Cold Harbour last May and should be a much better horse this season.

Tim Stephenson (Castlemorton), new horses for 2003 - Open the Box, Force Ten, 6 year old by North Col x New World: The father and son combination of Mike and Tim Stephenson have 10 to run from their stables adjacent to the Robin Hood pub at the bottom end of Castlemorton Common. Alpenstock is reported to have strengthened up since last year, Southern Cross and Wind on the Common have the ability to win Maidens, while Open the Box who came from Nigel Twiston-Davies and Force Ten could also make their mark, as could a Peter Thorne bred Maiden.

Clive Hitchings (Hanley Swan), new horses for 2003 - Jarude: Tim Stephenson pulled two races out of the fire on Better Future in 2002 and his presence in the saddle is essential. Fontaine Again has useful form between the flags, while Thatsforeel was in training with Andy Hobbs prior to this season. Hitchings is reported to have paid a substantial amount of money for Jarude who was unbeaten in two outings in the North of England last year. Keep his name in mind.

Roy Shail (Hollybush), new horses for 2003 - Golden Embers, Almostaday, Flight Refund: Roy Shail trains just up the road from the Hughes at Hollybush. Homebred horses are the backbone of point to points and the Shails provide a perfect example of a little stable being able to take on and beat more illustrious rivals. Maggie's Brother, Rusty Fellow, Sallioko, Raymond James and Golden Embers are all progeny of Sallisses. The first three have all won, so Raymond James who showed a hint of ability last year and the debutante Golden Embers have a lot to live up to. The Shails have two horses to run in the colours of Keith Bayliss in Almostaday and Flight Refund. David Barlow and Dave Mansell are expected in retain the rides having done well for the stable in the past.

Nicky Sheppard (Eastnor), new horses for 2003 - Aztec rule, Rockwelda, Wildblade, Byzantium, Unnamed/unraced Primitive Rising gelding to run in the colours of Jean Scott, Cruise Missile gelding for Peter Corbett: It's all change at Nicky Sheppards's Eastnor yard. Fitness is always a key to early season races and the inmates of this yard never suffer in that department. Mistakes blighted Upton Adventure's progress earlier in her career but these have been gradually erased and she should have another successful season for owner Peter Corbett who also has a Cruise Missile gelding to run in his colours. Matt Sheppard has been unable to improve Ard Na Carrig during a summer chasing campaign so he returns to Nicky to race between the flags. The Bean Club have purchased Aztec Rule to replace Cowanstown Price. A nine-year-old Maiden may not have much to recommend it, but being by Strong Gale he could come into his own later in the season when conditions firm up. Stag Fight proved a wonderful servant to Jean Scott but he has been replaced by an unraced Primitive Rising gelding. The ex-Henry Daly trained Byzantium had the distinction of carrying Frankie Dettori to victory at Windsor earlier in his career, while Rhys Jenkins expects to ride Wildblade (Ire) who came from Noel Chance.

Jon Rudge (Suckley), new horses for 2003 - Suaveroff, Night City, maiden by Roselier x Astra Miss: Jon Rudge has been busy qualifying 11 horses from his yard at Suckley at the opposite end of the Malvern's where the runners should benefit from a five furlong all weather gallop. Jalcanto, Devlish Charm, Prince Kreisler and Darring Dillion remain, while newcomers include Suaverof who won handicap hurdles for the Pitmans, Tobias and a home bred Roselier gelding out of Astra Miss. Night City won 19 flat races although that is not necessarily an indication of success in this sphere, while Box Car will carry Ridge's colours unless he is previously sold. No doubt his price would go up if he were successful.

Carolinie Chadney (Mathon), new horse for 2003 - Hobbo: Mrs Chadney specialises in rejuvenating horses in both a physiological and physical sense. Her homeopathic remedies have succeeded where more conventional methods have failed. She has just two horses in training but expect improved performances from Bansha House and a youngster called Hobbo.

Emma Wilesmith (Dymock), new horse for 2003 - Go Go Gallant: the Wilesmith stable at Dymock is a really family affair with Doreen and Martin sharing the duties with children Emma and Mark. There are very few changes her with Ole Gunnar, Clara's Pride, Thisoneisaboy, Irish Lord and Cotton On remaining from 2002 and they have been joined by the ex-Irish chaser Go Go Gallant whose last success was back in 1996. Emma is hoping to ride the latter along with Clara's Pride who could appreciate a lighter weight, her brother Mark will take the remaining rides.

Mike Daniell (Upton-upon-Severn), new horse for 2003 - six-year-old by Henbit x Model Lawyer: Sue Troughton's Smile Pleaze and Run to the Glen have been working well in their pre-season preparations with the latter reported to have strengthened up over the summer. Kingsthorpe has been a wonderful servant to the trainer and owner Mervyn Jones who could have a worthy replacement in Musical Tassell. The mare suffered form heat exhaustion and was not as reported later, lame at the Croome; an unnamed six-year-old by Henbit completes the quintet.

Teressa & Caroline Spearing (Severn Stoke), new horses for 2003 - Secret Dell, Dawn Invader: Teressa Spearing won two races with Aqua Star last year and they should make their mark again this season. Secret Dell won a hurdle at Warwick during 2000, whereas Dawn Invader has had two years off after breaking down in a Cheltenham Hunter Chase. Sister Caroline is busy preparing Pharare who was virtually unbeatable when last appearing having won 11 point to points for the Williams family.

Jockeys up with the best

JOCKEYS are crucial to the success of any partnership, and the West Midlands area has some of the best riders in the country.

Julian Pritchard (Ledbury): Only three walkovers by Evan Wiliams prevented the Ledbury based jockey from landing the Jockeys Championship for the fourth time. With 281 winners Pritchard is in third place in the all time list of the sports leading riders and as such his services are always in demand; that means he will make another bold attempt to land the Jockeys title. He must be a certainty for the Area Championship providing he stays free.

Geoff Barfoot-Saunt (Ledbury): The chances of this local jockey landing the Area Title reduced because his services are much in demand in the West Country where he has enjoyed a successful association with Somerset trainer Tim Long. His chances are obviously halved if he is riding in two areas, but he has a wonderful sense of timing and patience which has worked with Well Ted on a number of occasions in the past.

Caroline Spearing (Severn Stoke): Miss Spearing has a solitary horse in her stable and so it seems, almost ludicrous to suggest that she is capable of landing the Area Ladies Title, especially as Pharare is returning after a year off. Prior to his enforced holiday he had won 11 races, although there is a proviso that he has to go left handed. With seven of the area's 11 meetings run in an anti-clockwise direction, it is not inconceivable that the trophy could be on its way to Kinnersley.

Venues in the area

ELEVEN meetings take place in the West Midlands area. These fixtures take place on eight separate courses, a majority of which are used just once a year. Three of these take place locally.

Maisemore Park (near A417, 3 miles north west of Gloucester): Ledbury, Sunday, March 30 and Cotswold Vale, Sunday April 13. Flat course by River Severn. Car parking reasonable, viewing good from natural grandstand.

Upper Sapey (Wolferlow, six miles north of Bromyard): Clifton-on-Teme, Sunday April 27. Hilly course with uphill climbs and sharp descents. Car parking satisfactory, viewing reasonable.

Upton-upon-Severn (water meadows adjacent to town, near A38): Croome, Thursday April 22. Flat but testing course. Parking plentiful and proper road onto course, viewing excellent.

Details of point to point racing can be found on the West Midlands page of www.pointtopoint.co.uk