Banwen Miners Point to Point will take place on Bank Holiday Monday at Llwynddu Glais; however, less than a year ago, the fences the horses negotiate lay ruined and it seemed an impossible task bearing in mind the expense and manpower involved to re-build. A small group of determined volunteers led by chairman Billy Hancock, secretary Nia Godsmark and course builder Jamie Morell were not to be deterred, they set about rebuilding, and following an SOS, to the point to point community at large for financial assistance have been overwhelmed and are hugely grateful for the contributions they have received from point to point enthusiasts from all over the country. Many contributors will never have been to Banwen Miners Point to Point and the support demonstrates the community spirit which really does exist in the world of racing between the flags.

If you make the trip on Monday, you can expect to see competitive racing on a flat track set on a grassland farm. The first race, The Hunt Members Race, which takes place at 1.30 pm, includes the Vale of Clettwr Hunt. Pub Lunches will be making his racing debut for The Pub Lunches Partnership, run by Emma Moseley. The four-year-old gelding will be making his racing debut. The other entry is the 10-year-old Salomo, who has made the move from Becky Curtis’s yard to Gareth Moore. The gelding hasn’t been seen since May 2012, when winning at Wincanton under Sir A. P. McCoy.

A winner at Lydstep last weekend, Qualinas, heads a field of 16 entries in the Confined Race. Last time out, Itchymei’mscratch was a convincing winner, and will go close. Macarthur and Lost Glory are both likely to improve from their runs at Lydstep on the weekend, and should run good races. In the Restricted Race, sponsored by Subaru, with local dealers Greens Motors, there are 19 entries. Indian Leader and Ride On Time both won their Maidens last time out, and look to be improving. Key People ran well in the Dunraven Bowl finishing third, and should go close. Of the 12 entered in the Intermediate, Nicholasville, Princess Tina and Northgeorge catch the eye, having all won in their Point to Point last time out.

There are 18 entries for the Men’s Open, with the prolific Rosie’s Peacock hoping to continue his consistent run of form. Boyfromnowhere could run him close, as could Cygnet, who won easily last weekend at Lydstep. In the Ladies Open, Ni Sin E O Ainm, could be coming from the North of Cornwall, hoping to make the long journey worthwhile. The eight-year-old has won once this season from three starts, and could well be hard to beat, in what looks to be a competitive race. If turning up, Invisible Man could run close, as could Lauberhorn if returning back to his best. The Open Maiden has attracted a bumper 31 entries, and so could be split on the day. Tinkers Hill Tommy was unlucky to be brought down last time out, after going close the time before that. He is won to keep an eye on. As is Midnight Bliss, who has three seconds to her name this season.