Cover image courtesy of Michael McInally
The National Pony Racing Series, spearheaded by Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) in partnership with Pony Club Australia (PCA), is creating a stir in the Australian equestrian community as it kicks off its second season. This initiative not only provides young riders with a competitive platform but also creates pathways to broader career opportunities within the racing industry.
Lindy Maurice, CEO and Founder of TIC, sees this series as a crucial step in shaping the future of the industry. “It’s absolutely imperative that we create accessible pathways for young riders if we’re going to sustain and grow our industry. You cannot sit back and assume that everyone will just find their way to us. The world is changing, and so is access to horses and the opportunities they represent.”
“It’s absolutely imperative that we create accessible pathways for young riders if we’re going to sustain and grow our industry.” - Lindy Maurice
New initiatives
Building on its successful inaugural season, the series has introduced new initiatives, such as the “Jumpstart Weekends.” These weekends provide young equestrians with hands-on training in key areas like balance, control, and riding techniques in a supportive environment. Riders are also coached in horse care and racing fundamentals before testing their skills in gymkhana-style events at local racetracks. Maurice notes the importance of such initiatives in spreading awareness about the industry: “Most of the participants last season had no prior contact with the racing industry. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from these families is what drives us forward.”
The Jumpstart Weekends are open to all pony club members, regardless of pony size or rider age. Those who meet selection criteria advance to further training and state qualifying races. Maurice envisions the series evolving into a more structured equestrian sport under PCA. “Australia is a massive country, and geographically, we face challenges that countries like the UK and Ireland don’t. But if we’re serious about making this a lasting initiative, we need to integrate it into the regional structure so it can be administered at a local level.”
Lindy Maurice | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
With finals scheduled for June 2025 on the Gold Coast, the second season will expand across six states: New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland. Maurice emphasised that this season represents the biggest test yet: “This year, we’ll see how popular it can really be and what it takes for pony racing to grow into a fully fledged sport in Australia.”
Industry collaboration fuels Series growth
The series has also garnered support from key players in the Australian racing industry, such as Arrowfield Stud, Ciaron Maher Racing and Magic Millions, highlighting its growing credibility. Major sponsors are backing the initiative, while Principal Racing Authorities from most states have financially contributed to the series. However, Racing NSW has opted not to participate in the funding. “It’s disappointing that Racing NSW isn’t contributing, but we hope that changes in the future,” Maurice said. “The involvement of these authorities is essential for the growth of the series, and their support will only become more important as time goes on.”
“The involvement of these authorities is essential for the growth of the series, and their support will only become more important as time goes on.” - Lindy Maurice
Pony racing in Australia is still in its infancy compared to more mature programs in Europe. In the UK and Ireland, pony racing is often seen as a direct pathway to becoming a jockey. However, Maurice emphasises that Australia’s approach is different: “We’re not solely focusing on creating future jockeys. The series is about educating young people about the various careers available within the thoroughbred racing industry. We need 85,000 people in full-time jobs, and only a small percentage of those are jockeys.”
A broader mission
This holistic approach to the National Pony Racing Series reflects TIC’s broader mission. Maurice adds, “We’re doing a lot at the grassroots level, not just about racing, but also about horse welfare and the positive things happening in the industry. The scrutiny racing faces means we need to educate young people early on about the care and respect we have for our horses.”
State qualifying races will be open to pony club members aged 9 to 15, with ponies capped at 14hh. Events will be held across Australia, from training days to novelty races, with qualifying races at metropolitan tracks such as Moonee Valley on March 22 and Ascot on April 18.
Maurice concludes that the most rewarding aspect of the series has been seeing the impact it has had on participants. “The reaction from the kids and families has been incredible. Many had no idea about the opportunities in our industry, and that’s what keeps us going. It’s not just about pony racing, it’s about creating exposure and inspiring a new generation to consider careers in the equestrian world.”
“It’s not just about pony racing, it’s about creating exposure and inspiring a new generation to consider careers in the equestrian world.” - Lindy Maurice
As the National Pony Racing Series continues to evolve, it’s clear that it is laying the foundation for the future of thoroughbred racing in Australia, both by engaging young equestrians and educating them on the broader industry.
For more details on the series, including Pony Racing Rules & Selection Guidelines.
