Racing
INTO INDUSTRY CONTENTION By Katrina Partridge
Notice something different at the major Australian race carnivals? Ponies and young riders sporting some of the most recognisable silks in the country have suddenly made an appearance. Tomorrow’s future racing participants may well be amongst them. The Industry is banking on it.
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t’s mid winter in Queensland and misty rain sweeps across Eagle Farm racecourse. In the shadow of the latest trackside multi-storey apartments, a cluster of pony club riders and their mounts congregate to practice something new: a two-point seat and bridged reins. The morning ticks on and small groups progress to cantering down the racetrack as trained observers monitor rider control plus pony movement and attitude. Speed is not the key to securing a spot in the final heats. Rider skill and the pony’s calmness under pressure is paramount. Parents watch on and iPhones are raised to capture the action for the all-important social media accounts. Above it all an authoritative voice suddenly rings out in a tone reminiscent of school ‘PLEASE remember everyone - a steady canter ONLY!’ (One pony takes the go slow order a little too literally and elects to drop his head to graze the lush turf rather than pursue the finish line; automatic disqualification alas but in the decision comes a little of what this sport aims to teach: the lessons of life.) In its appealing combination of children and ponies that bring back so many treasured childhood memories for so many - as well as highlight a new way to engage with an entirely new audience of racegoers - it’s understandable why pony racing has ignited the imagination of race crowds across Australia. Popular in the UK and US, the sport gained traction in Australia via a small number of pop-up exhibition races in 2022; from there the National Series was formed. In 2023/24 participating clubs are the BRC, MVRC, WATC, the GCTC, the ATC and the SAJC before the Finals in Sydney over the Autumn. In total 120 riders aged nine to fifteen years will compete across 12 qualifying races [at six individual race days] with 10 riders in each race.
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\ RACING INTO INDUSTRY \ KATRINA PARTRIDGE
Catering for riders in two different age and height categories, the two finals will see the winners and runners-up from each state compete in their sponsor’s racing colours. Whilst it is easy to get caught up in the jubilation of a child’s inaugural race win it is important to emphasise that pony racing is not actually about speed; rather the sport has been introduced to assist children in advancing their riding ability and horse husbandry skills, learn how to better control their pony, balance, and their fitness and well-being (mental and physical). It is also - and perhaps most importantly - a chance to learn about and explore the vast range of career opportunities available in the thoroughbred industry. These opportunities extend well beyond riding roles to all number of positions in the racing industry from bloodstock analysis, media and marketing, breeding and sales, hands-on horse care and veterinary to associated equine health services, nutrition, farming etc. Staged under the banner of Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) and Pony Club Australia (PCA), the brainchild for Australian Pony Racing is TIC Chief Executive Officer Lindy Maurice. Like many in the Industry, Lindy grew up with and loved horses. Come the end of Year 12 however a meeting with her school’s careers advisor left her disillusioned with the lack of potential employment opportunities that combined with her first love: her horses. “Here are all these young riders 30 years later and nothing has changed. What are we doing as this juggernaut - Racing - to engage these people in terms of careers? What are the pathways for these people?
