Charing Races Easter Saterday

Charing has been associated with Point to Point races since the 1930's when Barnfield was the venue and the Hunt Race was wan in 1937 by a young Stanley Homewood with his horse, Goldflake. Another Charing farmer, Percy Hickman, also competed and there is a perpetual Percy Hickman trophy. The Point to Point was started many years ago by farmers when they rode from Steeple to Steeple, hence the name Point to Point Steeplechases.

Six races will be held during the annual Easter Saturday meeting, organised by the Ashford Valley Hunt, at the "Palace Farm" on the A20/Charing by-pass.
All races are run over 3 miles with 19 fences, every fence has a steward. There are of curse professional paramedics, veterinary surgeons, farriers all on site and the event is under the rules of racing laid down by the Jockey Club who also send their own representative to inspect the course and to ensure it is up to safety standards.
One race will be confined to men, one to ladies and the remainder are mixed for both sexes. Charing was the first course to hold a mixed race.

Pony Races - another item first introduced at Charing - are run over 6 furlongs, on for 9-15 years, ponies 138cm and 9-15 years, 148cm and under.
The pony races produce the stars of the future and manu bevome professional jockeys.

During the races you can buy almost everything you need from trade stands: from a car, stable, all types of clothes, a new hat, a plant for the garden ro a jar of honey. There is a bouncy castle, slides and many attractions for the family children.
There will be tea, coffee, lemonde, beer, champagne and food is in abundance too: homemade cakes, burges, chips etc all available from various stands or you can bring your own family picknick.

Gates open at 10.30 (entrance from A252 Nothern By-Pass/Charing Hill), first race at 12.45
Pony racing starts at 12:45, Horse racing from 2:00pm.
Car parking including all occupants: £20 on course, £30 on hill side. Foot gate £5

For more information, contact Ashford Valley Hunt.

Easter Sunday: WORKING TERRIER/LURCHER SHOW & RACING

4th APRIL 2010 at 12 noon sharp (TERRIERS/LURCHERS) and 1 pm sharp (FUN DOG SHOW) PLUS lurcher and terrier racing after showing classes have finished. At CHARING POINT-to-POINT Course, Ashford, Kent (opposite The Swan A20)
Qualifiers applied for: Countryman's Weekly E.A.J.R. & LC Pride of the Peak National Working Terrier Federation NL&RC Refreshments available. Enquiries: Ron 01233 712358 Sue 01233 756266

Comments

[Stewart]

Is the racing on today ???

[Wood You Like Ltd]

According to the Ashford Valley Hunt website:

"(03/04/2010) - RACING IS ON

Charing Point-to-Point
Author - Steve Carter

There was a course inspection at 9am this morning and RACING IS ON - see you all there"