Pony Racing thrills at Australia Day Raceday

“I’m passionate about the Pony Race Series because I think it brings families together,” stated Gai Waterhouse with the National Pony Racing Series at the Inglis Australia Day Raceday.

Of course, Gai will be there at Warwick Farm, with granddaughter Sophia riding in the smaller pony category, and in the famous green and blue silks of great-grandfather Tommy Smith.

Staged at the Inglis Australia Day Raceday at Warwick Farm on Friday 26 January, its Round 5 of the inaugural National Pony Racing Series, with the finals in April at the Sydney Autumn Carnival.

Conducted by Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Pony Club Australia, this follows Round 4 that was staged on The Wave Raceday at the Gold Coast, over the successful Magic Millions Carnival.

In showcasing some of Australia’s best young riders showcase their skills on a national stage, Friday will feature racing in two different age groups, with first two across the line into April’s finals.

With free entry for all to the track, the Gates open at 11.45am with the smaller pony category racing at around 12.30pm, and the larger ponies at 2.30pm between Race 2 at 2.15pm and Race 3.

To celebrating out national Australia Day, the Australian Turf Club has planned a massive day for the whole family with the Thoroughbred action and Pony Races promising a super day out.

There’ll be face painting, pony rides for even smaller riders, petting zoo, jumping castle, teacup ride and then fittingly for summer a misting tunnel and paddle boats, plus choices for the foodies.

“In addition, we’re showcasing the great young riding talent and being a wonderful spectacle,” said Lindy Maurice in being crowned the inaugural 2024 Australian Racing Woman of The Year.

“The Pony Series is designed to create awareness of career opportunities in the thoroughbred industry and educate young riders about thoroughbred welfare and life after racing in Australia.”

In being awarded by the Magic Millions Racing Womens Achievements, Lindy was recognised at a national level in 2023 with the National Pony Racing and the Thoroughbred Industry Careers.

As chief executive officer and founder of Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), Lindy teamed up with Pony Club Australia to launch a National Pony Racing Series to be run across five states.

Run over 12 qualifying races at six individual qualifying racedays, it has two different age and height categories run before two finals, with the first two from each state to Randwick in April.

Open to all Pony Club Australia members aged between nine and 15 years old, with the height of ponies capped at 13.3hh it was BTC at Eagle Farm who host the first event on 12 August 2023.

This followed onto Moonee Valley on Friday October 27 2023, Perth’s Ascot on Saturday 9 December, the Gold Coast on Saturday 6 January and now onto Morphettville for Monday 11 March.

With 120 riders and ponies competing across the series, and each qualifying event consist of 10 riders per race, its the pony ‘jockey’ wears the sponsored silks of big names in Australian Racing.

There’s the Royal Blue of Godolphin, black and yellow diamonds of Arrowfield Stud, Yulong with green and white checked sleeves and of course Gai Waterhouse with green and blue stripes.

Also, the highly recognised colours of Annabel Neasham Racing, Chris Waller Racing, Ciaron Maher Racing, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, Woppitt Bloodstock and Seymour Bloodstock.

And of course, Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse, champion jockey Kerrin McEvoy and racing media personality Lizzie Jelfs are the official Ambassadors the National Pony Racing Series.