The inaugural National Pony Racing Series is full steam ahead to April’s Finals over the Sydney Autumn Carnival, with the next round of heats set to be run at Warwick Farm this Friday, on Inglis Australia Day, January 26 with free entry for all to the track.
This will be Round 5 in the series, which is a partnership between Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) and Pony Club Australia. It follows a highly successful week on the Gold Coast, where Round 4 was run on The Wave raceday over the Magic Millions Carnival.
The Australian Turf Club has a massive day planned for the whole family at Warwick Farm, where the thoroughbred action and Pony Races will be complemented by a number of trackside activities.
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There will be face painting, pony rides (for the even smaller riders!), petting zoo, jumping castle, teacup ride and then fittingly for summer, a misting tunnel and paddle boats.
There’s also a big choice for the foodies, with Greek Street, Chips on a Stick, Caminito, a sausage sizzle and Ice Cream truck for desserts.
It promises to be a super day out in the west of Sydney as some of Australia’s best young riders showcase their horse skills on a national stage.
Gai Waterhouse will be attending with her granddaughter Sophia, who is riding in the smaller pony category, in her great-grandfather's famous blue and green colours.
“I'm passionate about the Pony Race Series because I think it brings families together," Waterhouse stated.
In addition to showcasing great young riding talent and being a wonderful spectacle, the series is also designed to create awareness of career opportunities in the thoroughbred industry and educate young riders about thoroughbred welfare and life after racing.
Saturday's program will again feature a Pony Race for two different age groups, with the first two across the line in each race qualifying for April's finals.
Gates open at 11.45am with the smaller pony category racing at approximately 12.30pm, and the larger ponies between races two and three (approximately 1.50pm).
