Point-to-Points are miniature race meetings, usually held in the heart of the countryside over farmland and with amateur rather than professional jockeys. The only “permanent” feature of these courses are the fences – even though those fences are only used two or three times a year. Although hunting foxes is legally banned yet the Hunts continue many of their 300-year old traditions. The name itself originates from the early days when a course for racing was plotted over natural obstacles – literally from point to point over farmland. Nowadays, the fences are specially-constructed. The course is about three miles long and Point-to-Points are enjoyed by townsfolk and countryfolk alike; they are usually held on a Saturday afternoon between January and May of each year. Although it’s an informal occasion I am “on duty” so I’ll wear a tie to fit in with the ambiance. My choice of clothes will depend on the weather, however I’ll opt for caution (unwanted layers can always be stripped) as I’ll be in a tent which may be draughty and unheated.
On arrival (with my mobile already switched off!), I check in with the Point-to-Point Secretary to reassure him/her that I’ve arrived on time and for last-minute instructions or paperwork. I also look for the Clerk of the Scales (whose tent I’ll share) and clarify communications from the Tote.
The Point-to-Point Secretary may have had time to post me a copy of the Race Card
• if so I’ll already have done my “homework” (far, far less than that needed by the Commentator or Race Reader) and made out a Schedule
• if not there’ll probably be one my desk (actually a trestle table inside the tent); failing that I’ll grab one as I must make out a Schedule
The degree of formality imposed by a Schedule is essential as (apart from the Welcome and Farewell) there’s a Repeating Sequence of precisely-timed events which I must monitor and ensure that the relevant information is announced to the spectators at the correct time.
I’ve an accountancy background, so I adapt eight-column analysis paper for my Schedule – rows for the race numbers (with four blank rows inbetween), columns for the events (over ten of them!), for both before and after the race.
OK now (even got paper for noting the inevitable ad hoc announcements); I’m ready for anything! Quick look at my watch, quick read of the Race Card to see who are my fellow-Officials of the Meeting; just time to exchange pleasantries with the other occupants of the Weighing tent.
Throughout the day I will remember and use Cotterell’s Rule for PA systems “The less it is used the more is it heeded” (John Cotterell is my mentor for this game and I am always grateful to him for teaching me how to make the day enjoyable (and informative) for the spectators and smooth for the other Officials!
Welcome
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, the time is [one hour before the first race] and we welcome you to the [Name] Hunt Point-to-Point. The first race on our card this afternoon is at [time] and I will announce the runners as soon as they have been Declared at [time]. We hope that you have an enjoyable, and profitable, afternoon.”
Repeating Pattern
This falls into three main sections Declarations (before the race), Runners (before the race) and Results (after the race!). There will also be a smooth and courteous named handover of the PA system (“I’ll now hand you over to [name] for the race”) to the Commentator. Hopefully, I’ll get an equally courteous handover in return.
1. Declarations. First the warning “Declarations will close in fifteen minutes at [time]”, then the ominous words “Declarations are now closed”.
2. Runners. As soon as I’m given the List of Declared Runners from the Clerk of the Scales “Here are the Runners for the [number] race”. I pause to allow spectators to get their Race Cards out, then give the Numbers in groups of three with a slight pause after each group; as I give them out I tick my own Race Card. After a short pause, I go through the list again giving the Number, the horse’s Name, and the Rider. Finally, after another short pause, I go through those Numbers for which there are special circumstances (weight allowance or penalty, colours variation etc) and give those details.
3. Results. I get these from the Judges, then say “Here are the Results for the [number] race. [Pause] First number [number], Second number [number], Third number [number]”. After another pause I’ll repeat that sequence, this time including the horse’s name. A final pause, then “The distances were [number] lengths and [number] lengths, the fourth horse was number [number], [name]. The time was [number] minutes and [number] seconds”. Of course, it’s not always so straightforward – there might be an Objection (which can then be Overruled or Sustained), the race might be declared Void, or there might be a Stewards’ Enquiry! What the punters really want to hear (after I’m so instructed by the Clerk of the Scales) is “Weighed in” – then they can collect their winnings. My final regular announcement is to give the Tote Return.
Farewell
After the last Tote results have been received (and I have announced them) is the time for consolidated lost property and publicity announcements. I then give the farewell: “This concludes our Meeting for [year]. We thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you all again at our next year’s fixture. Until then, ladies and gentlemen, goodnight and goodbye”.
Even in this permissive age, I don’t do as one or my predecessors did “Well, as Anthony said coming out of Cleopatra’s tent, that’ll be all for tonight”.
Now is the time to switch off and abandon my microphone – lest I get trapped with all kinds of strange requests to announce.
Finally, to relax and enjoy a quiet drink and chat with my fellow-Officials and friends while we wait for the car park exits to get less crowded.
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Contributor's Note
Roy Law is a professional commentator, who runs Soft-Spoken Words (+447831 340507) www.soft-spokenwords.com © 2006-2008 Roy Law © 1967-2008 John Cotterell.
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