Corbridge Races

Point to Point steeplechase racing is amateur horse racing over jumps. Most races are run over 3 mile, but some are run over an extended or shorter trip. Point to Points are organised by hunts and run by volunteers from the hunts who give up a great deal of time to make the fixtures possible. Horses that run in point to points must qualify with a hunt and obtain a certificate to say they have attended on a set amount of days.

A point to Point provides a great day out in the country for all of the family. At Downhills, Corbridge, various facilities are available on a race day. There is a licensed bar and refreshments available, as well as on course bookmakers. The course at Corbridge is run over farm land and facilities too are placed on farmland so suitable outdoor footwear is a must.

It is believed that the Tynedale Hunt began racing at Downhills in the 1920's although a track at The Stelling near Newton was used after WW2 in the early 1950's.

Downhills used to be much tighter and the straights longer with race times in excess of 7.00 minutes. The back straight was alot closer than it is today with the finish near to the current wagon park and side-on to the spectators.The track was changed around 1970 to the one currently used and shortened in the process. Today Downhills, Corbridge is a good course for viewing,with most of the fences being visible from the on course facilities. The finish is a long climb uphill, testing the stamina and fitness of both horse and rider.

The next point to point races at Downhills, Corbridge is on Sunday 18th April at 1.30pm when The Braes of Derwent Hunt hold their annual point to point.

At 5.00pm there will be two pony races, more details can be found here.

Admission is £8.00 per person. A racecard with runners, riders and race details included can be purchased for £2.00. Children under sixteen are admitted free of charge. Car parking is free, disabled car parking is available and optional trackside car parking is available at an extra charge of £10.00.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for race day, for more details click here.