IF CHELTENHAM is the pinnacle of National Hunt racing, then point to points are its glorious grassroots. While the barometer of racing starts to swing inexorably towards the Cotswolds next month, the action a little closer to home tomorrow should be just as compelling.

And if it’s the Festival you are after, then a Cheltenham winner will be in action when the Sinnington Hunt hosts its point to point club at Duncombe Park.

Amicelli’s 33-1 win in the Foxhunters’ Chase, was one of the highlights of last year’s four-days of March madness, and he’s on display in the Men’s Open at the popular gathering.

The Sinnington point to point has been drawing in the crowds since 1975 and is the latest leg in a season which has already taken in stops at Sheriff Hutton and, last weekend, Witton Castle.

Amicelli, trained by Mick Easterby’s daughter Cherry Coward, gave her the thrill of a lifetime when cruising to a six-length win at Cheltenham and the defence of his Sinnington title could pave the way for another tilt in Gloucestershire.

But while Coward will be looking for more glory, her daughter – reigning ladies’ champion Jacqueline – won’t be showing off her skills at the venue, near Helmsley.

The jockey, who celebrated a treble at Witton Castle, suffered a crashing fall at Catterick on Tuesday and was knocked unconscious when Ras Laffen fell at the fourth flight in a female riders’ selling hurdle. She has been recovering at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Narciso, who gave Coward her 50th flags winner a week ago, is again in action leading a competitive Ladies’ Open race. He goes up against the reliable and consistent Flashy Boy, while Jimmys Duky will have benefited from his run into second last time out.

The card kicks off at 12.30pm, with a huge entry of 43 in the Confined.

Looking for a quick win double is Buy Onling, while Glenelly Gale – who was going well when he fell two out at Sheriff Hutton – is also in the frame.

There are several eye catchers in the Restricted including Elusive Swallow, who broke his maiden at Sinnington two years ago, and course winner The Viking.

Chancery Lad, another Cherry Coward-trained horse, lines up in a tough division one maiden race, which also includes Burton second Forge Valley.

In division two, the Easterby and Greenall team – Yorkshire point to point stalwarts, have a strong hand with Aldea, Apollo Saturn Five, Impact Zone, Snake Rave, Winds and Dragons and Plume D’Oudairies.

Iron Express and Cop Howe, the last two winners of the Hunt Members Race, lock horns in what is expected to be a hotly contested 2009 renewal.

Kirsty Burnell, Yorkshire point to point spokeswoman, said: “The Sinnington point to point is a really sociable meeting. It’s really popular and a lot of local people turn out. It’s a friendly meeting and staged on a nice track. Point to point meetings are grass roots racing and a nice day out. There is usually a big crowd at Sinnington. It is good hunting country up there and everyone is really looking forward to it.”

Entry is £8 per person and there is the usual point to point attractions including catering, trade stands and bookmakers. For further information about the Sinnington meeting, and all the Yorkshire Area gatherings, log on to www.pointingyorkshire.co.uk