The Tasmanian leg of the National Pony Race Series is set to add some excitement to Tasmanian Oaks night in Launceston on Friday.
It is the first time Tasmania has been a part of the series, and two pony races will be run in between races 1 & 2 on the main thoroughbred card on Friday night.
A field of six will contest the Small Pony race (400m), and seven will contest the Large Pony Race (700m). It’s anticipated that they’ll be run around 18:10 and 18:15, respectively.
“We felt it was very important that Tasmania featured in the national series,” Tasracing CEO Andrew Jenkins said.
“Our participation not only allows Tasmanian pony club participants 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.”
The National Pony Racing series is a partnership between Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Pony Club Australia spanning six states.
Ranging from ages 9-15, participants are all current members of Pony Clubs and went through a “jump-start” weekend at either Deloraine or Longford last weekend before the big one on Friday night.
The winners and runners-up on Friday night will head to Queensland for the national finals in June.