BARBURY Racecourse hosts the first of four Point to Point Owners & Riders Club meetings on Sunday, with a noon start and total entry of 102.

Proceedings get under way with the Novice Riders race, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell, who are in their 30th year of their association with point-to-points.

The opener has attracted 20 entries, including Vesperal Dream, formerly trained by Paul Nicholls and a recent purchase by Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton as she continues to pursue a new career between the flags.

Trainer Alan Hill said of Vesperal Dream: “The horse has been schooling brilliantly and Victoria is very excited. She was speaking to Paul Nicholls at Newbury on Saturday and he said the course would be perfect.”

Three contenders from the in-form Marlborough yard of Laura Thomas, who had two wins and a second at Black Forest Lodge last weekend are also in the field, including Express Du Berlais.

Highest rated is Farmer Matt, second in a Hunter Chase for Fergal O’Brien in February and now in the care of Thomas Murray, while Island Cruise won here in February and was then a close second in the Tedworth Gold Cup.

Connolly’s Red Mills – another long-standing sponsor of the sport – are again responsible for the Intermediate Series, which culminates in a Hunter Chase Final at Cheltenham on Friday, May 5.

Their first qualifier of the season has attracted 15 entries and looks to be the most competitive event of the day, with top rated being Bravehearted Harry, who won twice for the Bevin family last season.

The Mixed Open has a new sponsor, in the shape of the Barbury International Racing Club, set up to promote the next fixture at the course on January 14, which will be the first ever point-to-point open to Irish raiders as well as local horses.

Among the 19 entries in the day’s main event is Lilbitluso, winner of the Connolly’s Red Mills Final last season, second in the John Corbet Cup and a live hope for the 2017 Cheltenham Foxhunters for trainer Joe O’Shea.

The Jockey Club have expanded the Mares Maiden series to 22 races this year, and 11 have been entered for their first event of the season.

The pick on pointing form is Teeton Power for Tommy Morgan, who had a good start to the season at Cottenham.

The closing Maiden is again sponsored by the Valley Equine Hospital at Lambourn and has 22 entries.

Cardinal Tom and Earl The Pearl have the highest ratings, but champion trainer Jack Barber’ may bring Cereal Killer and former champion Alan Hill has Breakdown Cover in the race.

New to the card this year is a Conditions Race for horses who have not won since 2014, set up to cater for horses who would find it difficult in competitive Opens.

Several entries have rules form, including Green Bank, who may be a first ride for trainer Francesca Nimmo since winning over hurdles in March 2015.

Of the other ex-National Hunt contenders, Champion trainer Jack Barber has Golden Hoof, rated 137 when a useful Novice Chaser for Nicky Henderson and last seen at the 2015 Cheltenham Festival.

Entry to Sunday's meeting is £10 per person Visit pointtopoint.co.uk for a full list of entries.