News | 30 August 2024
A Pony Club first – Nottingham hosts Pony Club Pony Racing for the first time
On August 22nd, Nottingham Racecourse hosted its first Pony Club Racing Day, marking a thrilling new chapter for the sport, adding more fixtures into the ever growing calendar. The event saw an array of competitors from across the country, showcasing their skills in eight exciting races. A total of 45 members from 25 different Branches/Centres took part from all around the UK.
Race 1 – Novice 128cm
Maisie Ward and Mr Jerry Himself claimed victory, representing East Hertfordshire. Kierra Griffiths on Monivea Mayday from Grove Hunt secured second, followed by Indie-Ana Rose Evans and New Oak Dream Catcher from Staff College & Sandhurst Hunt in third.
Race 2 – Open 128cm:
India Rigg, riding Crofthill Montague for Heythrop Hunt, topped the field. Nell Greatrex of Old Berkshire Hunt took second on Longwaithe Waterlily, and Jacob Lloyd-Hughes from Anglesey finished third on Greigiau Spring Excellence.
Race 3 – Beginners 138cm:
Maddison Taylor and Wian Dark Lad from Staff College & Sandhurst Hunt emerged victorious. Marcella Eaton-Reynolds on Moneyhills Mylo from Quorn Hunt came second, with Daisy Heeley and Brandymill Last Waltz from Grove Hunt in third.
Race 4 – Mixed 148cm:
Amelia Anscomb on Good Luck Rosie from Grove Hunt won the Beginners section, while Freddie Wilks on Summerbreeze, also from Grove Hunt, was second. Emmanuel Keates, riding Jessie Jay for The British Racing School, triumphed in the Novice category.
Race 5 & 6 – Novice and Intermediate 138cm (Amalgamated):
Matilda Bayliss and Archwood Mystique from Brocklesby Hunt took first in the Novice category. Chloe Morse on Llanwarne Artist from North Herefordshire Hunt led the Intermediate section, with Macy Stokes and Telynau Colliseum from Albrighton Hunt in second.
Race 7 – Open 138cm:
Henry Graham on Laybalands Captain Scarlet from Radnor & West Hereford Hunt captured first place. Neive O’Sullivan on Chaceside Catwalk finished second, while Percy Johnson on Dough Boy from Radnor & West Hereford Hunt took third.
Race 8 – Open 148cm:
Rosie Cook and Follow the Fox from Middleton Hunt claimed the top spot. Eliza McPherson on Mag Earle from Heythrop Hunt secured second, with Alexis Rahman and Notimeforbullies from Berkeley South in third.
A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who make special events like this possible. Jane Barton, Liz Murfitt, and your incredible team, your organisation was flawless, and we eagerly anticipate the next event. We also extend our gratitude to Steve Taylor, the Pony Racing Chairman, who supports nearly every race day by walking the course, starting races, and presenting prizes. A big thank you to Patrick Campbell, Area 6 Representative, for his support and for managing race announcements despite the challenges of the wind and microphone issues.
Additionally, we thank Nottingham Racecourse and their staff for hosting us and supporting these young riders on their journey to becoming jockeys. We look forward to seeing how many of them return as professionals in the future. Lastly, a sincere thanks to all the parents, family members, trainers, and support networks—without you, none of this would be possible.