All the necessary paperwork to apply to ride in a Point-to-Point race is available below.
Riders Qualification Certificate (RQC)
All riders must have an RQC for the current year before they can ride in Point-to-Points. The RQC is proof that riders are qualified to ride in Point-to-Points. The PPA holds an insurance policy that provides liability insurance for jockeys whilst participating in Point to Points and completing their Rider Assessment. A separate Personal Accident insurance policy will also be in force for jockeys from weigh out to weigh in. Last years' example can be seen here.
- The 2023/24 Riders RQC is available to download here: Rider Qualification Certificate (RQC) Please see below for age ranges and timelines for medicals. A sensible head and shoulders selfie must accompany your application. If required, you can book your riding assessment with an approved Jockey Coach or at a BRS Training Day, please see below.
*Required for ALL applicants (please note that the form can be filled in electronically, but you must first download the file before completing, and then save your changes before submission)
Medical Requirement
All RQC applicants must accurately complete and sign The Declaration of Health on pp 6-8 of the RQC application form. All riders falling into the following categories will also be required to submit a completed medical form before a certificate is issued:
- BHA Medical Form 23-24. https://media.britishhorseracing.com/bha/Medical/RQC_NMED19_Form.pdf
- All first time applicants
- Every 5 years there on in
- From age of 40 at application every two years (at application not during season - see below)
- From age of 50 at application every year (at application not during season - see below)
From age of 55 at application, applicant will also have to provide: resting 12 lead ECG and bloods for FBC, renal and liver function, fasting lipid profile and glucose
Please note:
- At the point of application (with complete documentation), if a medical was completed within the preceding x years, then it will not need to be repeated even if it expires in the next 12 months.
- Medicals can only be undertaken by a doctor with access on the day to the NHS Medical records summary.
- In addition to the above categories, applicants may be required to submit subsequent Medical Forms at the discretion of the BHA Chief Medical Adviser and in consideration of their medical history.
Medical Clearance
All paperwork, including that relating to the Medical part of the application, should be returned to the PPA.
The BHA Chief Medical Advisor will assess the medical part of your application. Anything they have concerns about will be investigated further and you will be informed accordingly.
This is the most time-consuming element of the RQC application process so ensure that you get it in early if requiring a medical to be checked.
Hunt Signature
Section 3 of the RQC will require a Hunt Officials' signature, stating their role in the Hunt. In a change from the past any Hunt Official's signature of the hunt you have qualified with is OK. However, please note that your name and form will be sent to the Hunt Secretary and they can object at which point your RQC will be frozen.
Riders Assessment
From the 2018/19 Point-to-Point season, it has been a requirement for new Riders – and those who have not ridden in a race over hurdles or fences for five years or more – to meet with a PPA-approved, Level 3 BHA Jockey Coach during the process of applying for a Riders Qualification Certificate (RQC). This can be done at several recognised training days (dates below) throughout the country (£30 fee which is refundable upon application for RQC), or arranged locally with your Jockey Coach on a one-on-one basis (one-on-one sessions will be chargeable). For a comprehensive guide to the process and for more information, please click the links below:
- A guide to the Riders Assessment 2022-23
- P2P Training Day application form
- A list of PPA-approved Jockey Coaches
P2P training and RQC assessments will be run at following:
British Racing School Sponsored
25th October – Woodway Farm (Lawney Hill Racing) - Alan & Lawney Hill Racing, Woodway Farm, Aston Rowant, Oxford, OX49 5SJ – Jockey Coach Charlie Poste
26th October – Pontispool Equestrian – Pontispool Equine Sports Centre, Norton Fitzwarren, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 1BH - Jockey Coach Rodi Greene
24th November – BRS – The British Racing School, Snailwell Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7NU - Jockey Coach Charlie Poste
13th January 2024 – Martin Keighley Racing – Martin Keighley Racing, Condicote Stables, Luckley, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 0RD - Jockey Coach Rodi Greene
27th January 2024 – Tim Vaughan Racing – Pant Wilkin Stables, Cowbridge, Wales, CF71 7GX - Jockey Coach Rodi Greene
Book on to any of the P2P training/RQC assessment days using this link
https://brs.picsweb.co.uk/app/Guest/SignUp/Applicant/86e7ccf2f7df43e6a2bf79d14d65a50f
Or contact BRS Operations Manager Beth Sullivan directly - [email protected] / 01638 675 907 or email [email protected]
Conclusion
- Riders should allow at least ten working days for their licence to be processed. If there is a problem with your application or further information is required the process may take considerably longer.
- To avoid disappointment, we encourage Riders to apply in good time.
- Following medical clearance, a successful assessment and payment being received, your RQC will be issued.
- Please ensure you put the correct postage on your application when returning it. Fines for underpaid postage will not be paid by the PPA and therefore your application will not be delivered.
Riders Sponsorship Scheme
In order to register a sponsorship you will need to download the following:
2023/24 RSS Registration Form (RSS1)
a) Information regarding the RSS & the use of sponsorship monies
b) Six Simple Steps to Riders Sponsorship
By reading a) and b) you should be familiar with all that is required.
If a sponsor is forthcoming you will need to complete both the RSS1 Form and the RSS Agreement Form returning them both to the PPA and pay the sponsorship money either by cheque or via BACS so the sponsorship can be formally registered. If something needs further clarification you will be contacted via email (preferable) or telephone.
Once the registration has been confirmed you can order the necessary racing kit via the RSS Order Form which again must be returned to the PPA to be processed.
If you wish to use some of your sponsorship funds to cover the cost of your RQC / medical (if you require one) you will need to highlight the necessary box on the RQC application form and / or provide a receipt from your GP relating to the medical you had with them along with the bank details you wish the money to be paid to.
All of the forms can be downloaded and emailed or posted to the PPA.
Should you have any queries please don't hesitate to contact the PPA who will be happy to help -
01793 781990 - [email protected]
Need to Know:
2022/23 Riders Qualification Certificate Application Form
Lost MRB - Procedure to follow
The Injured Jockeys Fund - https://injuredjockeys.co.uk/
Point to Point Riders can access the full range of help and services provided by the Injured Jockeys Fund, where appropriate. This includes anyone who currently holds or has historically held a P2P license
