Fifteen-year-old Charli-anne Bennett from Deloraine District Pony Club in Tasmania is gearing up for the National Pony Racing Series Final at the Gold Coast Turf Club on June 7, after taking out the Large Pony Category at the Tasmanian State Qualifier, where she proudly represented Chris Waller Racing.
Charli-Anne’s racing partner is Tommy, a 13.3hh, 15-year-old gelding who brings experience and energy to the track. His favourite discipline is mounted games, and he’s previously represented Tasmania at a national level—but racing might just be his new favourite.
“He may even like racing as much as games,” says Charli-anne.
A dedicated Pony Club member for 10 years, Charli-anne says the best part of Pony Club is:
“Making friends and competing with my horses in a variety of disciplines and levels.”
She credits her mum as the biggest influence on her journey:
“For being my biggest supporter and making everything happen.”
The National Pony Racing Series is a joint initiative between Pony Club Australia and Thoroughbred Industry Careers, offering young riders the chance to gain skills, connect with industry, and experience the thrill of racing on professional tracks.
Charli-anne says what she enjoys most about Pony Racing is the chance to let Tommy go full speed:
“Letting Tommy go as fast as he can and racing against other riders at a track on a race day.”
To make the 2,284km journey to the Gold Coast, Charli-anne has received generous support. Tasracing is covering Tommy’s transport with Tasmanian Horse Transport, and Pony Club Tasmania has contributed funds towards travel and team uniforms. Her family and friends have helped run a raffle, with a 30L bag of Feedchar worth $190 donated by her sponsor Agspand Feedchar.
And what is she most looking forward to?
“Meeting all the other competitors from other states, having fun on the Gold Coast, and trying our best in the race.”
We’re wishing Charli-anne and Tommy all the best for the final—go Team Tasmania!
