THE 2001 point to point season had to be curtailed following the foot and mouth outbreaks and, as a result, only 30 of the 209 scheduled meetings took place.

National Hunt racing recovered quickly because it was able to comply with the strict biosecurity regulations, point to points, however, take place on farmland and all the remaining fixtures had to be cancelled.

All this year's fixtures have to comply with DEFRA directives, but at least there is light at the end of the tunnel and the season should begin on schedule this Sunday (January 6).

If you look at the background of the winners of most of the big chases on the National Hunt calendar you will invariably find that they all began their careers in point to points and this is especially true of Irish bred horses.

Local jockeys to follow

JULIAN PRITCHARD - The Ledbury-based farmer has always been a master of his craft but, like cream, he has come to the top over the last five years.

During that time he has won the Riders Championship on three occasions and took a share of the title in the intervening year. He achieved what must be every jockey's ambition when he partnered Gunner Welburn to victory in last year's Liverpool Foxhunters. His riding over those formidable fences received the plaudits of several well-known television pundits and he looks sure to mount another strong challenge for this year's title. He has ridden 244 winners and needs just six more to reach the 250 milestone.

TIM STEPHENSON - Tim combines riding with running a successful yard at Castlemorton, near Malvern.

Strong and determined in the saddle he passed the 100 winners mark last spring. Does not get the quality of rides his talents deserve but has done well in recent years for the Hanley Swan yard of Clive Hitchings and the Upton-upon-Severn stable of Mike Daniells.

GEOFF BARFOOT SAUNT - Like Pritchard, is based near Ledbury and therefore has to compete at the same meetings as the ex-champion.

He has made several successful journeys down to the West Country in recent years and he should be followed when horses from that locality make the journey to the West Midlands. Could form a successful partnership this year with Well Ted.

Local trainers and horses

EMMA WILESMITH - Dymock: The Wilesmith family is getting seven horses ready for the new campaign. Doreen and Martin Wilesmith help prepare them in association with their daughter, Emma, while her brother Mark rides them. Ole Gunnar could follow up the good form shown in 2000, while Claras Pride should win a race judged on last year's Stratford form. The veteran All Weather returns for another tilt and is joined by newcomers Irish Lord, Cotton On and This One is A Boy who came from Jonjo O'Neills.

MIKE DANIELLS - Upton-upon-Severn: Smile Pleaze showed good form for this year at the start of the new Millennium, while Kingsthorpe continues to defy his advancing years with some good performances. All Things Nice has some way to go to match his exploits and that remark also applies to Eden Dale. My Nad Knows should pay his way before the season is out.

NICKY SHEPPARD - Eastnor: This stable in the shadows of the Malvern Hills is renowned for the fitness of their horses during the early part of the season. Peter Corbett has a useful horse to carry his colours in the shape of Upton Adventure whereas Upton Missile will find things difficult after her debut run last year. Simon Gregg's Ard Na Carrig returns to Points after an unsuccessful spell under Rules while Ballyduff Bay makes the same journey for his initial outing between the flags.

Stag Fight has been a wonderful servant to the stable while Cowanstown Prince looks capable of scoring again at this level. War Paint could be termed an equine invalid because he has spent so much time on the sidelines but watch out for him if he makes it to the racecourse.

Details of nearby courses

ANDOVERSFORD - Six miles east of Cheltenham. Course compact. Car parking - good. Viewing reasonable. Meetings held: Cotswold - Sunday, April 7.

MAISEMORE PARK - Near A417, three miles NW of Gloucester. Flat course bounded on two sides by River Severn. Car parking reasonable. Viewing good from natural grandstand. Meetings held: Ledbury - Saturday, March 30; Cotswold Vale Farmers - Sunday, April 14.

PAXFORD - Two miles east of Chipping Campden. Flat triangular course. Car parking good. Excellent viewing from natural grandstand. Meetings held: North Cotswold - Monday, April 1.

UPPER SAPEY - Wolferlow, six miles north of Bromyard. Hilly course with uphill climbs and sharp descents. Car parking satisfactory. Viewing reasonable. Meetings held: Clifton on Teme - Saturday, March 23.

UPTON-UPON-SEVERN - Water meadows adjacent to town, near A38. Flat but testing course. Parking plentiful and proper road onto course. Viewing excellent. Meetings held: Croome & West Warwicks - Tuesday, April 2.

National sponsorship

Corporate sponsorship is the backbone of any sport and after last year's problems it is good to see that all of Point to Point racing's longest and most loyal supporters continue with their previous commitments.

2002 will be Land Rover's 17th year sponsoring the Men's Open Champion-ship. Qualification for the final at Towcester on Monday, May 13 is open to horses which have won any Men's Open prior to May 8, 2002. The winner of this £10,000 added race will also receive the free 12 month loan of a Land Rover Discovery and another £5,000 if the winner has finished first or second in one of the 30 qualifying races.

Local Qualifiers: Clifton on Teme on March 23 and Cotswold on April 7.

Dodson and Horrell, the racehorse feeds manufacturers have been sponsoring races for 15 years. They support 31 races all over the country but these do not lead to a Hunter Chase Final.

Local Events: Cotswold Vale Farmers on April 14.

A new sponsor has come forward this year to sponsor a Restricted Champion-ship. There will be a final for this event but it will take place on a Point to Point course at the Melton Hunt Club meeting at Garthorpe on Sunday, May 19. It will have £1,000 added prize money and there will be 14 qualifying events.

Local Qualifiers: Croome & West Warwicks on April 2.

Racegoers will be able to find details covering all aspects of point to point racing in this area on the West Midlands page of www.pointtopoint.co.uk