MARC WEST enjoys the atmosphere of the Lockinge Point-to-Point

It simply wouldn't be a Bank Holiday without a good ol' down pour, would it? And, Easter weekend was no exception. Winds of up to 80mph battered Blighty and the effects of Storm Katie didn't end there. Stair rods of rain in near biblical proportions left the ground soaked and the going far from good. However, that didn't deter thousands from turning up to a muddy field in the south of the county for a popular fixture that’s etched into the very (tweed) fabric of the local sporting and social calendar.

Dating back to 1830, there are still few finer country spectacles than a point-to-point in full flow. The muddier and defiantly amateur arm of steeplechasing is still recognisable from the dashing sport first enjoyed by soldiers, dukes and farmers’ boys in County Cork - and this grass roots racing is most definitely the best place to see the next generation hone their skills.

Nestled in the shadow of the ancient Ridgeway, Old Berks Hunt’s annual meet at Lockinge is Country Life incarnate with the Barbour brigade out in full force - Labradors, Land Rovers and all. Wriggle into your Hunters, find those binoculars and fill a flask to stash in your poacher’s pocket ready for a day in the jovial company of those who’re not afraid of a bit of mud…and unbridled fun.

First things first, it’s a trip to the Rickety Press Bar for a little settler before the afternoon’s action - a calm before the storm, if you will. In fact, most of the activity (off-track, at least) seemed to be talking place here - purely to keep warm, I’m guessing?

With the prize steads being paraded before the first race, it’s tempting to have a little flutter, but being a novice to studying the form I don’t fancy my chances as the competitors line up under starters orders. With a blast on the hunting horn they’re off to take on eighteen fences over the three-mile cross-country course. The sight of horsemen on the horizon charging across the downs to victory is a true spectacle and the long run-in to the winning post ensures plenty of edge-of-your-seat finishes in the final furlong.

As the Spring sun begins to set, it brings to close an oh-so very British day at the races - with the victors quaffing Champagne from some impressive silverware and country folk swinging past the farmers’ market en route home to pick up a homemade wild venison pie to pop in the Aga for supper.

If you too fancy a slice of the good life, be sure to pencil August 28/29th in your diary for some more Bank Holiday action. Now in it’s 40th year, White Horse Show at Uffington is a traditional two-day country gathering offering a wide range of attractions for all the family - including falconry displays, vintage tractors and, of course, a local ale tent.

For all details visit whitehorseshow.co.uk