New Starter Reward Program For Virginia Point To Point Series Announced
The Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) announced it will fund a new starter reward program for the spring Point to Point races, with the goal of increasing participation in the series which begins March 16th.
Every time a Virginia-owned or Virginia-trained horse makes a start in any Point to Point race, the owner will receive a $200 starter reward. The bonus is designed to increase steeplechase participation at all levels, from owner-rider divisions to open hurdle and timber divisions.
“The VEA recognizes that the Point to Point circuits are a vital element of steeplechase racing and we want to do everything we can to promote and support the Point to Points in Virginia,” said VEA Executive Director Jeb Hannum. “The Point to Points are an important first step for many horses as well as giving young riders an opportunity before going to the sanctioned meets. We hope the Reward Program will encourage new owners and broader participation this year.”
The spring schedule, which runs from March 16 – April 28, features a Point to Point meet on seven consecutive weekends. In order, they will be held in Warrenton (Warrenton Hunt), Upperville (Piedmont Fox Hounds), Middleburg (Orange County Hounds), Ben Venue (Old Dominion Hounds), Leesburg (Loudoun Hunt), Berryville (Blue Ridge Hunt) and again in Middleburg (Middleburg Hunt). More details are available at www.vasteeplechase.com and at www.centralentryoffice.com.
The VEA will also give $25,000 to each of five National Steeplechase Association (NSA)-sanctioned meets in the Commonwealth and donate $10,000 to the Virginia Point to Point Foundation. Included are the spring and fall race meets at both Glenwood Park in Middleburg and the Foxfield race meets in Albemarle County along with the November race meet at Montpelier in the Town of Orange.
