The excitement building as the 2025 National Pony Racing Series Finals to take centre stage at the Gold Coast Turf Club on this Saturday 7 June.
Showcasing the nation’s most promising young riders and their ponies, the National Pony Racing Series is a collaboration between Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Pony Club Australia.
Now in its second season the National Pony Racing Series is designed to introduce young equestrians to the thrill of racing and open career opportunities within the thoroughbred industry.
Following the success of last year’s finals at Randwick on Group 1 All Aged Stakes Day, the series has grown in scope and recognition, this year’s series has travelled across six states in Australia.
Comprising New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland the Racing Series culminates in 12 qualifying races involving around 120 young riders.
With each proudly wearing racing silks sponsored by some of the biggest names in Australian racing, it’s the likes of Arrowfield Stud in their black and gold diamonds, Chris Waller Raing in black and white squares, purple sleeves and Godolphin in the all blue.
In addition, there is Carl and Lorraine Holt, Ciaron Maher Racing, Frank and Christine Cook, Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Inglis, Lizzie Jelfs Racing Club, Magic Millions, Peachester Lodge, Pinecliff Racing, Ranvet, Ridgemont Farm, Seymour Bloodstock, Swettenham Stud and TB Australia.
Woppitt Bloodstock is easily spotted in their now famous purple, white and black hoop silks, while its the green and white of Yulong Stud that’s highly supported by the Principal Racing Authorities; Racing Victoria, Racing SA, Racing WA, Racing TAS and Racing Queensland.
With all the finalists being aged 9 to 15 years old, and all members of Pony Club Australia, they compete in two height categories, firstly Ponies not exceeding 12.2 hands high and Ponies over 12.2 and not exceeding 14 hands high.
Leading out the Small Pony Race Field is Jack Cumming and ‘Poppy’ from the Keyton Pony Club in the maroon, gold and white of Frank and Christeen Cook.
Next its Sophie Bink and ‘Dazzle Me’ in the green and white of Yulong Stud, while Stacey Edwards and ‘Napoleon’ are in the blue and red of Carl and Lorraine Holt,
Isabella Swain and ‘Jenny’ are in the black and gold diamonds of Arrowfield, with Olivia Hanby and ‘Pippa’ representing Thoroughbred Breeders Australia.
Annie Wilson and ‘Pie’ will race in the blue and white of Magic Millions, with Leilani Anderson and ‘Cosmo’ will represent Racing with Lizzie also in blue and white.
Tahnee Dodgson is in the green, blue and white of Sweetenham on ‘Rosie,’ while Allara Edwards and ‘Savanna’ will race in the black and red silks of Ranvet.
The Large Pony Race Field is headed Sharmay Bleakley on ‘Ghost’ wearing the maroon, gold and white silks of Peachester Lodge, with ‘Ghost’ being ‘very cheeky.’
Mia Khoe and ‘Mav’ are racing in the red and green of Hermitage Thoroughbreds, and Ayla Griffin on ‘Roxy” in the blue with white logo of their sponsor Inglis.
Montanna Griffith and ‘Gidget’ are in the colours of Seymour Bloodstock, along Lillianna MeyerVale on ‘Honey’ in the blue and gold colours of Ridgemont Stud.
Next its Kate Diamond and ‘Gamble’ in the purple, white and white hoops of Woppett Bloodstock, and Charli-Anne Bennett on ‘Tommy’ racing for Chris Waller Racing.
Leah Bice and ‘Sugar’ are racing for Ciaron Maher Racing, Merci Brownrigg and ‘Valor Princess Sparky” are in the Godolphin blue, with Zara Green and ‘Stella’ for Pinecliff Racing.
