Whether you fancy a flutter or a picnic with entertainment, Kent’s point to point horse racing meetings are leaps ahead, writes Chris Price.

There is nothing quite like the exhilarating feeling of picking a winner at the races, something which dozens of Kent folk will be hoping to do at the first point to point meeting of the season at Charing, near Ashford.

Yet far from this being the reserve of form-followers and the landed gentry, this is a day out for all the family.

“It is all very sociable,” said John Hickman, who rode in almost 800 races from 1952 to 1994 and spent 38 years as the south east area point to point secretary.

“People know each other and you always meet old friends when you go along. It’s full of punters who have a great day out.”

There are usually six or seven races at a point to point meeting. Many events also have two pony races in the early part of the day, on which under-16s compete.

There are trade stands, much of which are similar to what you would see at the Kent County Show, and Shepherd Neame runs a bar at every meeting. For children not so interested in the racing, there is a funfair most weeks.

Usually there are bigger crowds around Easter time for the meetings at Aldington and Charing. Even so, the Charing season opener will see about 15 or 16 bookmakers take up their pitches this weekend.

“The ground is a lot softer at the moment and most of the runners make it out at this point in the season,” said John, 74, who lives in Bilsington, near Ashford, and won the inaugural Kent Grand National at Detling in 1983 on his horse No Justice.

“Last spring it was dry and the ground was firmer, which meant there were fewer horses running. At the early season meetings you get the best racing as it is most competitive.

“Sometimes the weather isn’t great but it is the place for you if you enjoy a competitive bet.

“When you pick a winner, it’s like watching your football team pick up three points. It’s elation. People get a lot of pleasure out of it.”

Point to point horses are ridden and trained by amateurs. They are not allowed to be trained by licenced trainers.

The races are a good place to watch out for future talented jockeys, with riders Tom Cannon and Brendan Powell both turning pro after successful seasons in the South East races last year.

Lots of racegoers take the opportunity to get out their picnic tables and enjoy a few beers and some sarnies. It ensures there is a jovial atmosphere before you even enter the course and softens the blow if you pick a few stinkers at the bookies.

John added: “It is all hospitable. It’s a good bit of social entertainment for everyone but the driver.

“It is just a great afternoon out.”

Charing point to point takes place on Sunday, January 29. The first race is at 12.30pm. Admission £10, children free. Cars free.

The next races are at Godstone in Surrey on Sunday, February 12 and Charing on Sunday, February 19. There are also races at Penshurst, near Tonbridge, on Saturday, March 16 and April 28 and Aldington on Easter Monday (April 9.) The season finale, the United Hunt, takes place at Folkestone racecourse on Thursday, May 17.
Call 07921 683516 or visit www.pointingse.com