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Headline updates

New for the 2025/2026 season

  • First season Rider Qualification Certificates cost is £95, subsidised by the PPA and PPORA.
  • Free Jockey Coaching lesson for every First Year rider.
  • New helmet and body protector requirements, click here for information.
  • BHA Regulations and Instructions changes for 2025/2026 for point-to-points.
RQC Application

RQC Application

All riders must have a Riders Qualification Certificate (RQC) for the current season before they can ride in a point-to-point. The RQC is proof that riders are qualified to ride in point-to-point races.

A new initiative for this season’s RQCs:

  • first season riders £95
  • second season riders £140
  • subsequent seasons riders £195
  • free Jockey Coaching lesson for every first season rider

Section 3 of the RQC requires a Hunt Official’s signature, stating their role in the Hunt. This can be any Hunt Official, not necessarily the Secretary.
Riders should allow at least 14 days for their licence to be processed. If there is any problem with your application the process may take longer, so riders should ensure they apply in good time.
Wherever possible, scan the completed certificate and send as a PDF. If you are unable to scan, send medium quality photos for easier processing.
If completing the form by hand ensure correct postage is paid to avoid errors with delivery.

Medical Requirements

Medical Requirements for Riders

All applicants for an RQC must accurately complete and sign The Declaration of Health on pp 7-9 of the RQC form every year. All riders falling into one or more of the following categories will also be required to submit a completed BHA Medical Form before their RQC can be issued:

  • All first-time applicants (unless you have an up to date medical for a NHA Amateur licence).
  • If you have not completed the BHA Medical Form for five years.
  • If you are 40 or over, if you have not completed it for two years.
  • If you are 50 or over.

If you are 55 or over, you will also have to provide resting 12 lead ECG and bloods for FBC, renal and liver function, fasting lipid profile and glucose.
In addition to the above, other applicants may be required to submit BHA Medical Forms at the discretion of the BHA Chief Medical Adviser and in consideration of their medical history.
Medicals can only be undertaken by a doctor who has access to your NHS Medical records summary.
You do not need to submit a new BHA Medical Form if your current medical expires within 12 months of the date of your application.
All paperwork, including that relating to the medical part of the your application, should be returned to the PPA, except for Medical Forms, which should be sent directly to the BHA Medical Team at rqcmedicals@britishhorseracing.com
However, the date of the medical, and when the form was sent to the BHA, must also be included on the form sent to the PPA.
The BHA Chief Medical Advisor will assess the medical part of your application. Any concerns will be investigated further and you will be informed accordingly.
This is the most time-consuming element of the RQC application process so, if your require a medical, please ensure that you submit your form well in advance of the date on which you intend to have your first ride.
Medical Record Book. You will be issued a physical Medical Record Book (MRB) when you receive your first RQC. This must be provided to the officials on the day you intend to race as without one you will not be allowed to ride. If you lose your MRB, you must buy a replacement before your next ride.

Training & Assessments

Assessments

In addition to the requirement for a medical, first-time riders – and those who have not ridden in a race over hurdles or fences for five years or more – need to undergo a rider assessment.

This has been a requirement since the 2018/19 point-to-point season. Such riders need to meet with a PPA-approved, Level 3 BHA Jockey Coach during the process of applying for their RQC. This can be done at one of several recognised training days (dates below) across the country (for a £30 fee, which is refundable when you apply for an RQC), or arranged locally with your Jockey Coach on a one-on-one basis (such sessions will be chargeable). The document links provide a comprehensive guide to the process.

Training Days & Locations

Sunday 6th October 2024
Tim Vaughan Racing, Pant Wilkin Stables, Cowbridge CF71 7GX
Jockey Coach Rodi Greene

Sunday 6th October 2024
Tim Vaughan Racing, Pant Wilkin Stables, Cowbridge CF71 7GX
Jockey Coach Rodi Greene

Sunday 6th October 2024
Tim Vaughan Racing, Pant Wilkin Stables, Cowbridge CF71 7GX
Jockey Coach Rodi Greene

Insurance Info

Insurance

The PPA holds an insurance policy that provides liability insurance for jockeys whilst participating in point-to-points and completing their Rider Assessment (see below). A separate Personal Accident insurance policy is also in force for jockeys from weigh out to weigh in, which provides limited cover for injury and loss of earnings. It is strongly recommended that, where possible, you have private insurance, especially for those with Point-to-point riders can also access the full range of support and services provided by the Injured Jockeys Fund, where appropriate. Anyone who has ever held a licence to ride in point-to-points is entitled to help from the IJF during their entire lifetime.

To find out more, visit injuredjockeys.co.uk

Sponsorship

Rider Sponsorship Scheme (RSS)

For the 2024-2025 season, the RSS Registration and Agreement are again combined into a single form, for self-completion, that needs to be signed by both rider and sponsor.

Before you register for sponsorship, please read the ‘six simple steps’ below and the information regarding the RSS scheme and the use of sponsorship funds.

If you have a sponsor, you will need to complete the form, return it to the PPA (either by email – preferred – or post) and pay the sponsorship money either by BACS or cheque, so the sponsorship can be formally registered. If something needs further clarification we will contact you, usually via email.

Once the registration has been confirmed, you can order any equipment directly from one of the PPA approved suppliers, who are listed in the document that provides information on RSS.

If you wish to use some of your sponsorship funds to cover the cost of your RQC or PPORA membership, you will need to tick the relevant box on the RQC application form.

Six simple steps

BHA Regulations
Riding in Ireland

Looking to ride in Ireland?

Due to changes in Irish Point to Point insurance, any GB rider looking to ride in Irish point to points must have a legally witnessed waiver completed in advance of riding.

For further information please contact:
Ray Bergin, Point to Point Operations Manager

+353 (45) 445 600

ray.bergin@ihrb.ie

www.ihrb.ie

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