Thoroughbred Industry Careers launches new Pony Racing Initiative

Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) has launched a new Pony Racing Series, to be run across all five Australian states.

The aim of the series is to provide a fun experience for the young people taking part and to highlight the career opportunities within the racing industry and the link between the thoroughbred and other equestrian disciplines.

The qualifying races will take place at Brisbane Racing Club (Eagle Farm August 12), Moonee Valley Racing Club (27 October), Western Australian Turf Club (Ascot December 9), the Gold Coast Turf Club (January 6, 2024), the Australian Turf Club (Warwick Farm, January 26, 2024) and the South Australian Jockey Club (Morphettville 11 March 2024), before culminating at The Finals in Sydney over the Autumn. 

TIC Chief Executive Officer Lindy Maurice said: “This series will help create awareness of career opportunities within the thoroughbred industry and help build relationships between the equestrian and thoroughbred communities.

“Many pony racing riders in Europe have had very successful careers in the thoroughbred industry worldwide.

“It also helps the riders become educated about thoroughbred welfare and life after racing and we will be working with ‘Kick Up For Racing’ to deliver these important messages.”

The permanent series was inspired by the popular TIC pop-up pony racing taster days and is being supported by some of the biggest names in Australian Racing: Annabel Neasham Racing, Arrowfield Stud, Carl and Lorraine Holt, Chris Waller Racing, Ciaron Maher Racing, Craig Sneesby, Frank and Christine Cook, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing, Godolphin, Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Inglis, Jonathan Munz, Linda Huddy, Lizzie Jelfs Racing Club, Magic Millions, Ranvet, Seymour Bloodstock, Tony Gollan Racing, Woppitt Bloodstock and Yulong Stud.

In total there will be 120 riders taking part in the inaugural series, with 10 riders in each race. They will wear sponsored colours and the series will be open to all Pony Club Australia members between the ages of 9 and 15.