THE oldest point to point horse racing course in the country is likely to be forever changed after this weekend's event- as gravel extraction plans look set to go ahead in Upton.

The course, which sees horses gallop alongside plains on Ryall Court, has hosted the Croome and West Warwickshire Point-to-Point for more than 100 years but this weekend could be the last.

Although permission is yet to be granted for Cemex UK to carry out an eight year gravel extraction project on the site, and into parts of Fish Meadow too, organisers of the event are bracing themselves for the eventuality that the race will have to go ahead in a new location if the company’s planning application is given the go ahead.

A spokesman for Croome and West Warwickshire Point-to-Point said: "Although the planning process has yet to be exhausted it appears a gravel extraction licence could be granted for this site and that will result in the end of racing in its present location.

"The meeting could be resurrected elsewhere in the area but this flat galloping track alongside the River Severn with the Malvern Hills as its backdrop will cease to exist."

The course celebrated its centenary anniversary in 2009.

It had its heyday in the 1950’s to 1970’s where it staged The Lady Dudley Cup meeting, which is still one of the highlights of the Point-to-Point calendar.

Cemex UK's application is being considered by Worcestershire County Council, after it was submitted last year.

The extraction programme will result in a lake being created, near the A38 junction, and its future use is currently being discussed among many groups in the town- Upton Rowing Club is pushing for a water sports facility to be created on the body of water.

The Croome and West Warwickshire Point-to-Point will go ahead tomorrow (Saturday), from 2.35pm.

For more information visit pointtopoint.co.uk/events/3269