Young Tasmanians considering a career in the Tasmanian racing industry now have a new way to test themselves and gauge their suitability.
With financial support provided by Tasracing, Tasmania is set to feature in the National Pony Racing Series which is run across six states with finals to be held on the Gold Coast in June 2025.
Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said Tasmania did not feature in the first series, which it moved to address very quickly.
“We felt it was very important that Tasmania featured in the national series,” he said.
“Our participation not only gives Tasmanian pony club participants the opportunity to race against other young riders in Australia, but it will also help create understanding around local career opportunities in the thoroughbred industry and help strengthen relationships between the equestrian and thoroughbred sectors in the state.
“There are good employment opportunities for young people in our industry, and they are lifelong opportunities.
“Looking down the track, traineeships are available for trackwork riding. And if young people show some signs of being an elite athlete on a horse, there are options to become a professional jockey.”
Tasmanian Turf Club (TTC) CEO Mark Ridgway said he was delighted that the TTC would host the state qualifying races for the pony series on Friday 21 February next year ( Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Oaks race night).
“There are obvious synergies between the racing industry and pony clubs,” he said.
“By holding the qualifying races on one of our biggest race nights, riders will be able to experience the sport of racing and all the excitement a live race day offers.”
The Pony Racing Series is an initiative of Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) and Pony Club Australia (PCA).
Pony racing has been a long-standing sport in Ireland, the UK and France, and is growing in popularity in Australia.
This is the second time the series will be run in Australia, featuring 12 qualifying races and 120 riders.
TIC and PCA have added “Jumpstart Weekends” to this year’s program.
Open to all Pony Club members, the Jumpstart Weekends will help riders develop essential race-ready skills while providing an accessible entry point into pony racing.
These events are perfect for riders who are new to the sport or those looking to sharpen their abilities with the support of experienced coaches.
Over two days, participants will build important skills such as balance, control, and riding techniques. The first day focuses on horse health and riding basics, while day two gives riders the chance to put their skills to the test in a gymkhana-style event at a local racetrack.
Those who meet the selection criteria will advance to further training, which could lead to a spot in the state qualifying races.
Tasmanian pony series dates
Saturday 15 February 2025 – Jump Start Day 1: Deloraine Pony Club grounds
https://pca.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=3BA35397C63CAAE88BA914D3F42C68AA75337F42
Sunday 16 February 2025 – Jump Start Day 2: Novelty Raceday, Longford Racecourse
Thursday 20 February 2025 – Training Day, Launceston Racecourse
Friday 21 February 2025 – State Qualifying Raceday, Launceston Racecourse