Point to Point

The roots of Point to Point horse racing are in the hunting field, with race meetings being organised by local hunts.

Today we were near Melton Mowbray at the Belvoir Hunt races. The hunt servants, shown here, escort the race horses to the start and act as horse catchers for the afternoon.

The Belvoir Hunt are kenneled at Belvoir Castle, and the hunt staff continue to wear the traditional scarlet coats with maroon velvet collars and brass livery buttons with 'BH' embossed on them.

Many years ago, gentlemen aspired to having their clothes made by Thomas Pink, the exclusive London tailor this lead to the saying 'In the pink' and for the scarlet hunt coats being known as 'Hunting Pink'

Of course, there is only trail hunting in the UK, since the hunting of live quarry was banned in February 2005.

What ever views people hold on hunting, there is no denying the horses and riders look imaculate and they created a glorious splash of colour on an otherwise freezing cold, grey day.

Well done to good old Ringo for being placed 2nd in a very competitive race today.

P.S. there are always interesting trade stands at race meetings, today I bought a Melton Mowbray pork pie, it looks delicious.