The Combined Services Point-to-Point Meeting is one of the most prestigious meetings at Larkhill Racecourse. It holds the Classic Race, The Coronation Gold Cup, which is a feature race on the national circuit.
Around 1,000 people from Wiltshire, its local military community and point-to-point racing stalwarts visited Larkhill Racecourse to see riders and trainers from across the whole of the South West – and some from even further afield than that – participate in the day’s events.
The first race of the day was the King’s Troop race, won by Gunner Glover riding Military Working Horse Gomez. Later on, Olive Nicols took the coveted Coronation Gold Cup while riding Viroflay. A total of £742.05 was raised for SSAFA by donation from the Combined Services Committee and through a bucket donation on the day, with seven soldiers from Larkhill Garrison volunteering for duty.
Johnny Brooking, Race Secretary for the Combined Services Point-to-Point Committee, commented:
“Each year, this event celebrates and encourages equestrianism across the Armed Forces, all while supporting our Armed Forces community through fundraising for SSAFA, a tri-service charity reflecting the spirit of our Combined Services event. We would like to again congratulate this year’s champions and thank the many members of the Wiltshire community who joined us on the day.”
Richard Sandy, Chairman at SSAFA’s Wiltshire branch added:
“The Combined Services Point-to-Point is always a fantastic day, and we are very grateful for its continued support. The funds raised go directly to our work helping Armed Forces personnel – including serving personnel, veterans and their families – with whatever they may need in Wiltshire.”
The Combined Services Point-to-Point aims to promote and encourage equestrianism for all ranks in the Armed Forces. It was formed in 2011 through the merging of two distinguished military point-to-points, the Army Point-to-Point and the United Services Point-to-Point were combined. The Coronation Cup was first presented on the 21st February 1953 during the United Services Point-to-Point by HM The Queen, who was in attendance with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. It has donated around £16,000 to SSAFA so far.
SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone
To learn more about SSAFA and to access support, visit: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/wiltshire
