The Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association [PPORA] has appointed a new Chair, with Charlie Poste (pictured above with wife Francesca) joining the committee ready for the 2023-24 Season. He will also sit on the Point-to-Point Authority [PPA] Board.
Best known for the point-to-point yard he runs alongside his wife Francesca in Warwickshire, the couple have established a successful business breaking and producing young horses, while remaining passionate about helping owner/riders achieve their own point-to point ambitions.
Charlie is well-connected in the world of horseracing, having been a successful professional jockey, which will serve him well in supporting the development of British pointing. As a BHA-qualified jockey coach, he is a huge supporter of owner/trainer/riders seeking to enter the sport at grassroots level.
Charlie said, “I’m looking forward to working with our Area Representatives, communicating regularly with our members and serving their needs. I also hope to work closely with the PPA to support the promotion of British pointing.
“I’m passionate about our sport and believe there should be opportunities for everyone and – most importantly – that all can be competitive. It’s not just about creating a strong programme for young horses to progress under rules, it’s about structuring the races in a way that provides opportunities for anyone wanting to get involved and providing access to the right help.
“We want to see more people and horses point-to-pointing at all levels, and work has already begun with the Point-to-Point Secretaries Association [PPSA] and PPA to support suitable initiatives to achieve this.”
Charlie and Francesca's Kaproyale winning at Stratford in June (Neale Blackburn)
Charlie will be supported by the current Chairman Mark Buchan in a joint-role to ensure a smooth transition period.
Mark said, “I’m delighted to have Charlie succeeding me as Chair of the PPORA and will step aside as soon as he feels it is right. As a member representative organisation, it is our job to communicate with our membership, and assist other point-to-point bodies in the promotion and development of the sport. For this to be effective, it is vital we have keen, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, young people on the committee who are able to engage and communicate with existing and potential participants.”
Peter Wright, Chief Executive Officer of the PPA, said; “I am delighted to hear that Charlie has accepted the position of PPORA Chair. His undoubted enthusiasm as well as his background as a jockey, and now a very successful trainer, will be a huge bonus to the PPA Board, which is increasingly being made up of people engaged with the sport on a day-to-day basis.
“I would also like to give my thanks to Mark Buchan for all the work he has put in behind the scenes, particularly from my point of view on the PPA Board.”
For any further comments or questions, please contact the PPORA committee via email at [email protected]