In 1977 Jim Mahon called together a group of owners to organise an appeal to the Jockey Club to ask for a 7lb weight allowance for five-year-olds in point-to-points. 28 people attended this meeting, and the suggestion was made that an owners’ association should be formed.

Jim was elected first Chairman, and remained in that position until becoming President in 1986. He was succeeded in the chair by Percy Tory, our current President, who took on the latter task when Jim sadly died in 2001. It was Percy’s charm and diplomacy which finally secured the longed-for representation on the Jockey Club Liaison Committee, in 1990.

Michael was followed by John Sharp, who secured the right for jockeys to ride in both divisions of a split-on-the- day race. Following them in the hot seat was Richard Russell, who had his arm twisted to remain at the helm for an extra year after the 2001 season’s racing was decimated by FMD.

During his period in office, Richard strengthened the Association’s prominence within the corridors of power, and he currently represents the sport at the Industry Committee meetings and on the British Horseracing Board’s Jump Racing Review Implementation Group. The Novice Riders’ race series, which proved so successful in 2004, was also his brainchild.

Other innovations initiated by the PPORA have been the popular and worthwhile riders’ seminars, the recognition of multiple ownership, the introduction of sub-three mile point-to-points, compulsory medical insurance for all riders, and the chance for jockeys to demonstrate their acting skills. This latter example has come about since jockeys who have had a fall have been required to be passed fit by the doctor before competing again at the meeting – perhaps the fact that the medics think that they must all be mad to start with helps their cause.

The present incumbent of the chairman’s seat is Simon Claisse, who since 1999 has been Clerk of the Course at Cheltenham, and prior to that spent ten years as the Jockey Club’s racecourse department manager and point-to- point controller. His knowledge of the sport is not confined to paperwork, though, as is proved by his involvement as an owner, trainer and rider.