Pony Club Australia, in partnership with Thoroughbred Industry Careers, is thrilled to bring back the National Pony Racing Series for its second season! After a successful launch in 2023, this exciting program is expanding across six states—TAS, SA, NSW, VIC, WA, & QLD—giving Pony Club Australia members aged 9-15 a chance to experience the thrill of pony racing.
With four stages of competition, from Jump Start Weekends to State Qualifying Races and the National Finals, there’s something for everyone. Riders will develop essential skills, ride on real racecourses, and get a taste of the racing industry.
Key Dates by State:
New South Wales
- Jump Start Day 1: Saturday, October 26, 2024 – Kootingal Pony Club, Moonbi
- Jump Start Day 2: Sunday, October 27, 2024 – Novelty Race Day, Tamworth Jockey Club
[Register for the Jump Start Weekend] - Jump Start Day 1: Saturday, November 16, 2024 – Matcham Valley Pony Club, Holgate
- Jump Start Day 2: Sunday, November 17, 2024 – Novelty Race Day, Gosford Racecourse
[Register for the Jump Start Weekend] - Training Day: Friday, December 13, 2024 – Newcastle Racecourse
- State Qualifying Race Day: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Newcastle Racecourse
South Australia
- Jump Start Day 1: Saturday, November 23, 2024 – Onkaparinga Pony Club
- Jump Start Day 2: Sunday, November 24, 2024 – Oakbank Racing Club
[Register for the Jump Start Weekend] - Training Day: Saturday, December 7, 2024 – Murray Bridge Racecourse
- State Qualifying Race Day: Sunday, December 8, 2024 – Murray Bridge Racecourse
Tasmania
- Jump Start Day 1: Saturday, February 15, 2025 – Deloraine District Pony Club
- Jump Start Day 2: Sunday, February 16, 2025 – Novelty Raceday, Longford Racecourse
[Register for the Jump Start Weekend] - Training Day: Thursday, February 20, 2025 – Launceston Racecourse
- State Qualifying Race Day: Friday, February 21, 2025 – Launceston Racecourse
Victoria
- Jump Start Day 1: Saturday, March 8, 2025 – Ballarat Pony Club
- Jump Start Day 2: Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Ballarat Turf Club
[Register for the Jump Start Weekend] - Training Day: Friday, March 21, 2025 – Moonee Valley Racecourse
- State Qualifying Race Day: Saturday, March 22, 2025 – Moonee Valley Racecourse
Western Australia
- Jump Start Day 1: Saturday, April 12, 2025 – Serpentine Horse & Pony Club
- Jump Start Day 2: Sunday, April 13, 2025 – Lark Hill Racecourse, Port Kennedy
[Register for the Jump Start Weekend] - Training Day: Thursday, April 17, 2025 – Ascot Racecourse, Perth
- State Qualifying Race Day: Friday, April 18, 2025 – Ascot Racecourse, Perth
Queensland
- Jump Start Day 1: Saturday, May 8, 2025 – TBC
- Jump Start Day 2: Sunday, May 9, 2025 – Gold Coast Turf Club
- Training Day: Sunday, May 17, 2025 – Gold Coast Turf Club
- State Qualifying Race Day: Friday, May 24, 2025 – Gold Coast Turf Club
The Finals
- June, 2025. Date TBC. Gold Coast Turf Club
Pony Racing: How It Works
Stage 1: Jump Start Weekends
Two fun-filled days open to riders of all ages and horses of all sizes! Day 1 focuses on learning essential pony racing skills like balance, control, and horse health, while Day 2 gives riders a chance to practice at a real racecourse in a gymkhana-style event.
Stage 2: Training Days
Riders selected from Jump Start Weekends attend invitation-only training days, where safety, control, and readiness to race are assessed.
Stage 3: State Qualifying Races
State finalists race on professional Thoroughbred racecourses in two pony height divisions (12.2hh and 14hh categories).
Stage 4: The National Finals
First and second place winners from each state compete in the national finals—location and date to be announced soon!
Categories & Rules:
- 450m Race: Ponies not exceeding 12.2hh (Riders aged 9-15 years)
- 700m Race: Ponies not exceeding 14hh (Riders aged 9-15 years)
- Riders must comply with PCA’s Horse Welfare Policy, which limits the combined weight of rider and tack to approximately 20% of the pony’s weight.
Why Join Pony Racing?
- Real Track Experience: Ride on professional racecourses!
- Develop New Skills: Improve balance, control, and confidence.
- Have Fun: Participate in games and hands-on learning about horse health.
- Make Connections: Meet fellow riders, coaches, and mentors.
- Future Pathways: Discover opportunities in the racing industry.
Get ready for a thrilling season ahead with the National Pony Racing Series 2024-25—it’s more than just racing, it’s about learning, growing, and having fun!
Register now and start your pony racing journey.