HORSE racing is to make a return to a Malvern village next year, 34 years after it was moved from the area.
Point-to-point racing took place at various locations in Knightwick from 1946 until its move to Upper Sapey in 1984.
The event at Upper Sapey was always susceptible when conditions were dry and this year’s meeting had to be abandoned due to hard ground.
Prior to its transfer to Upper Sapey, the Clifton-upon-Teme point-to-point was also held at Horsham and when the news first broke about a resumption of racing in Knightwick, people presumed it meant a return to the old venue.
However, an entirely new course has come into existence due to the generosity of John and Sue Walker who are allowing their land – known as The Rock just off the A44 Worcester to Broymard Road – to be used for the purpose of the point-to-point meeting.
The new course will be used for the first time on Sunday, April 29 next year and will be marketed as Knightwick Races.
Coun Sarah Rouse, representative for Alfrick and Leigh ward on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “I am always enthusiastic about ideas that will bring visitors to the area and help support local business.
“I look forward to the new venture and taking a look for myself.”
The course, which will be left-handed and oval in shape, will be set out on the meadows adjacent to the River Teme.
Each circuit will be measure approximately one mile and half a furlong in length.
Four fences will be situated on the back straight and another two on the home straight.
A West Midland Area Point-to-Point Secretaries Association spokesperson said: “It is a major undertaking creating a new racecourse from scratch, but the committee seem unfazed by this challenge.
“A great deal of time and effort is still required and the organisers would be interested if anyone has any old steeplechase fences they are thinking of replacing or old running rails.”
Anybody who can help with providing fences and railings or taking up sponsorship opportunities for the new Knightwick course should email Belinda Palfrey at [email protected] or call 07977 135339 or 01584 781014.
