Foxhunting 'middle way' is no threat

The Government's compromise proposal to licence rather than ban hunting with dogs would not threaten jump racing's 'kindergarten' - the amateur Point-to-Pointing circuit - regulators the Jockey Club said today.

Pointing provides jump racing with its horses, jockeys, trainers and officials of the future, as well as offering them an active retirement. Participants qualify for Points through seven days' action in the hunting field and meetings are largely run by local hunt members.

The Jockey Club has always registered its opposition to a total ban on hunting due to its detrimental knock-on effect on racing. But the Club's Point-to-Point liaison committee has drawn up contingency plans to continue Pointing in the event of a total ban on hunting.

The House of Lords votes on the issue tonight, but - despite Commons opposition - the Government is keen to effect a 'middle way' between total ban and the status quo. Such an option would leave Pointing unaffected.

"If the so-called 'middle way' option were to be chosen, the basic structure of Point-to-Pointing would remain intact," said Jockey Club spokesman, John Maxse.