Almost perfect conditions are anticipated for the eagerly-awaited Fife Point-to-Point race meeting at Balcormo Mains on Saturday.
The UK’s most northerly point-to-point meeting has grown in size and stature in recent years and this weekend’s spectacular on Easter Saturday is expected to draw a huge crowd to the Kingdom’s countryside.
Current going at the venue near Leven is good to firm, with the course likely to be watered before Saturday, and.there will be a range of family activities and trade stands away from the action on the course.
Gates will open at 11am before the pony races at 1pm and the steeplechase action from 2pm until 4.30pm.
Last year had the highest number of entries since 2014, and Fiona Drysdale, honorary secretary of Fife Point-to-Point, said this could be another vintage year for Balcormo Races.
She said: “We’re lucky that we’ve got some good racing yards nearby – the likes of Lucinda Russell, who trained Grand National winner One for Arthur, stays close by, and her staff will tend to come by and support us.
“The Point-to-Point is really the seed bed for a lot of interest in racing and the pony racing in particular.
“Many children often go on to be jockeys and get involved with yards, and we’ve had quite a few over the years.
“We usually have about 2,000 people there and it’s a great day out for all the family.”
The event comes just weeks after the third Scottish case of equine flu was confirmed at a livery near Dunfermline, but concerns about the spread of the disease have dissipated.
“It’s added an extra layer of work for us because the whole racing community makes checks,” Fiona added.
“All horses have to have been vaccinated within six months and they have to be clear and horses have to be healthy.
“I think we’ve been lucky so far, but also I think that’s largely because everyone is taking these precautions.”
Entries for the weekend’s events are coming from as far afield as Caithness, Inverurie, the Borders and England.
Local horse trainer Nick Alexander, who is based at Kinneston near Leslie, will be in attendance on Saturday.
He said: “It’s good fun and we’ve got quite involved in it over the years, so it’s always something that we look forward to.”
All are welcome to go along and enjoy the day on Saturday with entry priced £10 for adults on the gate and children going free.
