Owners of point-to-point horses have long acknowledged that they are not running for the money, given the ceiling on prize money set by the British Horseracing Board for this most amateur of amateur sports.

However, entrants for the point-to-point meeting at Andoversford on Sunday 7th April could enjoy some benefits that will help offset the cost of training and running a horse, courtesy of two innovative sponsor agreements at Andoversford Races.

Andoversford has been proactive in recent seasons on rewards for those that put on the sport – owners, trainers and riders. The fixture features the most valuable racing programme of the Spring, built around the Robert Hitchins Group Andoversford Grand Annual Chase, a race originally run across part of the same course back in 1834.

Sponsors Brewin Dolphin, the independent wealth manager, will support a Leading Trainer Award for the keeper accruing most points from runners during the day.

With a range of scoring from 10 points for a winner to one point for a runner, this will offer added incentive to run horses at this most prestigious meeting. The award offers a cash prize of £250.

This award adds to the Dubarry Outstanding Performance Award, which will offer a £500 voucher to spend at the brand’s Cheltenham store to the owner, keeper or rider putting up the outstanding performance of the day.

And in addition to these two initiatives, owners declaring to run and coming under orders in the two open races, each worth £1,000, will be refunded their entry money, effectively running for free.

Paul Nurden, divisional director for Brewin Dolphin, said: “This meeting goes from strength to strength in an area where racing tops the sporting agenda.

“The meeting has justly earned a reputation for producing good quality horses that progress into the mainstream of professional racing.

“We believe that looking after owners of horses only encourages them to greater endeavour and we’re pleased to support Andoversford’s initiatives.”

Peter McNeile, for Andoversford Races, added, “Andoversford has carved out a unique place in the county’s racing calendar. Cotswold folk love their racing and love Andoversford too, and we hope owners will respond with alacrity to this terrific set of measures to make their day special.”

Andoversford Races is the racecourse in the village of the same name where the Cotswold Hunt stages its annual point-to-point races and was an original venue for the famous closing race to the Cheltenham Festival – the Grand Annual Chase.

For a chance to win four tickets to Andoversford Races visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/thelocalanswer