Point-to-point pony racing Championship Riders named for 2016

2016 138cm RaceTech Championship rider – Molly Landau 

With 110 points, with 5 wins, 6 second places, 3 thirds and a fourth. Molly rode two ponies – Molly VIII and Becca Walk O’The Wildside. Molly loves any sport especially hockey and athletics, she goes to Kings Hall, Taunton and hunts regularly with the Tauton Vale for which her father, Guy is the huntsman. She also enjoys all the usual activities associated with the Pony Club. Mum, Emma has to be highly commended as she has driven Molly nearly the length and breadth of the country to pony race!

Presentation after The Charles Owen Pony Races Cheltenham 22 Oct 2016 - Pic Steven Cargill / Racingfotos.com
Molly Landau, P2P pony racing Championship Rider 2016, receives her prize from Tom Phillips of RaceTech

The 2016 148cms RaceTech Championship rider – Connor Brace
Winner for the second year running, with 101 points, with 8 wins and 3 second places. Connor rode two ponies – Don’t Tell Dai and Peateaoh. Connor, 15, is the grandson of leading point-to-point owner/trainer David Brace OBE. He is very much an integral part of the team at Dunraven Stud and rides work and schools the racehorses at every opportunity. He enjoyed his first ride on Clonshire Marshmallow just over 5 years ago and has since partnered approximately 40 winners, primarily on Peateaoh, Molly and Don’t Tell Dai. A very keen all-round rider, Connor has ridden out for leading trainers such as Richard Hannon jnr and Nigel Twiston-Davies. Connor has obtained a licence to ride under Arab racing rules and is greatly looking forward to starting his point-to-point career as soon as he passes his 16th birthday.

Both Molly and Connor intend to carry on riding in pony races next season.

Presentation after The Charles Owen Pony Races Cheltenham 22 Oct 2016 - Pic Steven Cargill / Racingfotos.com
Connor Brace, P2P pony racing Championship Rider 2016, receives his prize from Tom Phillips of RaceTech

Pony Racing Graduate – Harry Myddleton 
Under the RaceTech sponsorship we have made funds available to the child who scores the highest number of points and who is eligible to ride in point-to-point races the following season, to use as sponsorship funds via the Riders Sponsorship Scheme (RSS) run by the PPA for those riding in points.
Harry Myddleton was this season’s winner and already has a point-to-pointer in getting fit to go racing this season. Regular updates will be posted throughout the season as to his progress on the PtP Pony Racing Facebook page and the PRA updates.

Presentation to Harry Myddelton after The Charles Owen Pony Races Cheltenham 22 Oct 2016 - Pic Steven Cargill / Racingfotos.com
Harry Myddelton, P2P pony racing Championship Rider 2016, receives his prize from Tom Phillips of RaceTech

 

PRA Awards celebrate Charles Owen Racecourse Series 2016

Jockeys who competed in this year’s Charles Owen Racecourse Series were treated to an exclusive tour of Dalham Hall Stud, which included seeing four magnificent Darley stallions paraded, as part of the Pony Racing Authority’s Awards day. The riders and their families also viewed three new stallions in their paddocks and visited the covering facilities, and were able to ask staff questions about the stud’s breeding programme, daily regime and aspects of the commercial side to Darley’s global operations.

dalham-hall-stud-pra-awards-visit-6-november-2016-pic-3-small

Following the tour and after a short drive to Newmarket Racecourse, guests arrived for the awards ceremony hosted by PRA Chairman Edward Gillespie, with Derby winning jockey Michael Hills presenting the prizes.  We were also delighted to welcome Richard and Dawn Prince, who sponsor the Rose Bengal Leading Rider Awards, and take a keen interest in the development of young riders at all levels of pony racing.

Sophie Smith, winner Leading Rider award, with Michael Hills
Sophie Smith, winner Leading Rider award, with Michael Hills

Interviewed by Edward Gillespie, Michael described a childhood growing up around horses, with showjumping his main sport and having represented England at the age of thirteen. At just sixteen years old, Michael had his first racing winner two weeks after finishing school and “never looked back”, with horses taking him “all over the world” to achieve a career tally of more than 2000 winners, including the Derby on Shammit in 1996 – which felt “like a footballer scoring the winning goal in the World Cup!”

The winners of the Championships Finals held on 22 October at Cheltenham Racecourse – Sophie Smith on Push the Button in the 138cm & under, and Oakley Brown on White Water in the 148cm & under – were first up to be interviewed. Both jockeys will be riding out over the winter months to gain more experience, and will be back on the tracks in 2017.

Richard Prince, who with his wife Dawn, sponsors the Rose Bengal awards, spoke of the high standards of all the riders and praised their attitude: “Everyone helps everyone, and it is fantastic to see the progress of all the jockeys from beginners at Pony Club race days and point-to-points right through to the Charles Owen series.”

The Rose Bengal Leading Rider awards – which is for the rider with the most points up to the Final – were awarded to Sophie Smith (138cm & under) and James Bowen (148cm & under). As well as a trophy, the winners each received a coat, a new racing saddle and a voucher for a private session with a jockey coach to cover personal fitness, pony fitness, riding technique and race technique.

_dsc9349-copyThe Rose Bengal Scholarship Awards were also announced with Finn Muirhead (138cm & under) and Liam Harrison (148cm & under) having received the most nominations made by the PRA Steward after each fixture – the stewards were looking for riders who have shown the most improvement, listened to what they have been told on previous occasions, been on time, and had a helpful manner.

After a full selection of awards was presented, Edward Gillespie thanked all the riders and their families for making this years Charles Owen Racecourse Series such a success.

Make it a date for 2017

The Charles Owen Racecourse Series Finals will be held at Newmarket Racecourse on Future Champions Day, 14 October 2017.

AWARD WINNERS 2016 

Winner of 148cm Charles Owen Final at Cheltenham: Oakley Brown (White Water)

Also Winner of 148 cm Conditions’ Final at York: Oakley Brown (White Water)

Winner of 138 cm Final at Cheltenham: Sophie Smith (Push The Button)

Winner of 138 cm Conditions’ Final : Minty Bloss (Nook Class Act)

Rose Bengal Leading Rider – sponsored by Richard and Dawn Prince.

This is for the rider with the most points up to the Final. The winners receive a coat, a cup, a new racing saddle and a a voucher for a private session with a Jockey Coach to cover personal fitness, pony fitness, riding technique and race technique.

2016 148cm Rose Bengal Leading Rider: James Bowen on leading pony Cudlic Verona

2016 138 cm Rose Bengal Leading Rider: Sophie Smith on leading pony Push The Button

Rose Bengal Scholarship – sponsored by Richard and Dawn Prince.

Nominations are made by the PRA Steward after each fixture. This is for the rider who has shown the most improvement, listened to what they have been told on previous occasions, been on time, and particularly if they are helpful to the Steward on the day!

The runners up receive a voucher for a private session with a Jockey Coach to cover personal fitness, pony fitness, riding technique and race technique.

2016 Rose Bengal 148 cm Scholarship  Winner – Liam Harrison

The winner receives a cup, a coat, a new racing saddle and a voucher for a private session with a Jockey Coach to cover fitness, pony fitness, riding technique and race technique.

Runners Up:           Noah Brazg-Carrell

Nia Kerslake

William Humphrey

Albi Tufnell

Runers up receive a voucher for a private session with a Jockey coach

 2016 Rose Bengal 138 cm Scholarship Winner – Finn Muirhead

The winner receives a cup, a coat, a new racing saddle and a voucher for a private session with a Jockey Coach to cover fitness, pony fitness, riding technique and race technique.

Runners Up:           Nick Barratt-Atkin

Poppy Scott

Minty Bloss

Runers up receive a voucher for a private session with a Jockey coach

CareersinRacing Best Turned Out: winners receive a smart duffle bag from Careers in Racing

138 cm             Tyler Heard

148 cm             Hamish Clark

The Most Widely Travelled:

Camilla Broster – received a voucher for a private session with a Jockey Coach

 Northern Awards

These were presented at Kelso earlier in October

  • Leading 138cm Combination: Charlie Todd and Stretcholt Hermes
  • Leading 148 cm combination : Nick Barratt Atkin and Doppio Movimento.
  • Most improved 138 cm combination: Camilla Broster and Fair N Square
  • Most improved 148 cm combination:  Archie Frank and Judge Fox

Two exciting finals bring a close to the Charles Owen Racecourse Series 2016

Two races were held before the professional race card, the first over seven furlongs for ponies measuring 138cm and under, followed by the 148cm and under category over nine furlongs.

After nine wins from nine races and the Leading Rider award under her belt, fifteen-year-old Sophie Smith from Leicestershire led the last two furlongs to secure the championship title in the 138cm & under with her roan mare Push The Button. A tight finish to decide the placings saw Finn Muirhead (13) on Dillan’s Girl as runner up, Tamby Welch (13) on Churchill take third, with Camilla Broster on Fair N Square finishing fourth.

Sophie Smith on Push the Button, winner 138cm & under Charles Owen Racecourse Series 2016
Sophie Smith on Push the Button, winner 138cm & under Charles Owen Racecourse Series 2016

In the 148cm & under final, fifteen-year-old James Bowen on Cudlic Verona went into the race as winner of the Leading Rider Awards, having won six out of 12 races, with placings in the remaining six.  Yorkshire’s Oakley Brown, at just five points behind in the rankings, promised tough competition on his five-year old mare White Water, having won nine out of 11 races, including winning the Conditions Final at York in September. In a tightly-contested race, Oakley gained a commanding lead from Noah Brazg Carrell on She’s a Lady, with Ella McCain on Mr Marshall in third and James Bowen on Cudlic Verona finishing fourth.

Oakley Brown on White Water, winner 148cm & under, Charles Owen Racecourse Series 2016
Oakley Brown on White Water, winner 148cm & under Finals, Charles Owen Racecourse Series 2016

Sponsored by global brand Charles Owen since 2005, this year’s Racecourse Series began at Kempton Racecourse in March with jockeys competing for points across a total of 25 fixtures. Each rider in the Final was awarded a voucher for a Charles Owen helmet, and additional riding wear including a waterproof jacket.

Clarissa Daly, Chief Executive of the Pony Racing Authority, added: “Charles Owen has made a long-standing investment in the sport which has created a lasting impact: as a result, we have been able to open up incredible opportunities for young people to develop new skills through pony racing that, for many, will take them into the horse racing industry through a range of career paths. Thank you, also, to Cheltenham Racecourse for all their support in hosting two fantastic finals this year.”

Finals of Charles Owen Racecourse Series 2016

138cm & under Finals

1st Sophie Smith (15) – Leicestershire – Push the Button

2nd Finn Muirhead (13) – Devon – Dillans Girl

3rd Tamby Welch (13) – Devon –  Churchill

4th Camilla Broster (13) –Cheshire – Fair N Square

148cm & under Finals

1st Oakley Brown (15) – Yorkshire – White Water

2nd Noah Brazg Carrell (15) Cambridgeshire  – She’s a Lady

3rd  Ella McCain (15) – Cheshire – Mr Marshall

4th James Bowen (15) – Pembrokeshire – Cudlic Verona

 

charles-owen-pony-racingCharles Owen has supported pony racing since 2005 and provides all of the jockeys racing in the Finals with a Charles Owen jockey skull of their choice, and additional riding wear including a waterproof jacket and RaceSafe body protector

careers-150x60CareersinRacing kindly sponsor the Best Turned Out throughout the season

 

race_tech-150x60RaceTech Media and the Prince family kindly sponsor a number of annual awards, including awards for pony racers in their final season who are going on to work within the racing industry.

Britain’s youngest jockeys compete to be crowned Champion in Charles Owen Racecourse Series Finals

The crème de la crème of pony racing will be competing for the title of champion when the finals of the Charles Owen Racecourse Series take place at Cheltenham Racecourse on 22 October 2016.

Two races will be held before the professional race card, the first over 7F for ponies measuring 138cm and under, followed by the 148cm and under category which races over 9F.

Sponsored by global brand Charles Owen since 2005, the Series started at Kempton Racecourse in March with jockeys competing for points across a total of 25 fixtures. Each rider in the Final will win a voucher for a Charles Owen helmet.

Roy Burek, Managing Director for Charles Owen, said: “Enthusiasm, talent and drive mark out the very best of our young jockeys who have been enjoying pony racing this season.  It has been fantastic to see children from different backgrounds come to take part in this friendly sport. Once again, the Conditions races have given young riders that bit of extra encouragement to step up from Point-to-Point pony racing to have a near-professional experience at this top level.  My congratulations go to all jockeys taking part in the Racecourse Series this year – you have been a credit to the sport. Good luck to all the jockeys competing in this year’s finals.”

Clarissa Daly, Chief Executive of the Pony Racing Authority, added: “Charles Owen has made a long-standing investment in the sport which has created a lasting impact: their support has enabled us to open up incredible opportunities for young people to develop new skills through pony racing that, for many, will take them into the horse racing industry through a range of career paths.”

Runners and riders in the Charles Owen Racecourse Series Final

138cm & under

Finn Muirhead – Dillan’s Girl

Tamby Welch – Churchill

Ger Supple – Clear the Track

Daniel Cox – Wee Anthony

Minty Bloss – Nook Class Act

Owen Lewis – Little Chick

Camilla Broster – Fair N Square

Tyler Heard – The Jobs not Straight

Poppy Scott – Gazza Cruiser

Nick Barratt Atkin – I’m Loving it

Elliot England – Diptford Moon Walker

Sophie Smith – Push the Button

Lily Llewellyn – Fairfield Run (Reserve)

 148cm & under

Ella McCain – Mr Marshall

Charlie Todd – Miss Wonderful

Harry Myddelton – AbrickintheWall

Noah Brazg Carrell – She’s a Lady

Nia Kerslake – Pick Pocket

Liam Harrison – Tell me Twice

Jack Tudor – Hot Night

Oakley Brown – White Water

James Bowen – Cudlic Verona

Milo Herbert – The Mumbler

 

Garthorpe host to 2016 point-to-point pony racing Championship Finals

Forty jockeys and their ponies arrived at Garthorpe Racecourse on 4 June 2016 to take part in a Championship fixture boasting six point-to-point pony finals races, the culmination of this year’s season and a fantastic achievement for all riders.

Hosted by the Meynell & South Staffordshire Hunt, the Championship finals were sponsored by broadcast services company RaceTech Media Ltd, which has provided major sponsorship for point-to-point pony racing across all 79 fixtures this year.  There were opportunities also for novice riders to compete in two height categories of finals thanks to sponsorship from Treehouse Sporting Colours, which supported a 14-race novice riders race series in 2016.

Lucy Tucker, director of the PRA, said: “Well done to everyone who supported the 2016 point-to-point pony racing championships – a great day made truly fun by everyone coming along and joining in. ”

Open Championship Final winners were Camilla Broster on Fair N Square (138cm & under) and Alfie Godfrey riding Calypso (148cm & under).  In the Conditions Race Final, the 138cm & under race was won by Boris Ball on Willow the Wisp, and the 148cm & under by Toby Ball on Little Wynne.  In the Treehouse Sporting Colours Novice Riders Race Final, Tara Stockwell on Ninfield Millionaire’s Delight took the 138cm & under title, with Sophie Manners on Derwent Dream Dancer winning the 148cm & under category.

Top of the leader boards in the RaceTech Point-to-Point Pony Racing Championships – accumulating points from races throughout the 2016 season – are Molly Landau (117 points, 138cm & under) and Connor Brace (101 points, 148cm & under).

An award ceremony will take place later this year to recognise the achievements and commitment of many of these young jockeys, including bursary and training awards to support their future aspirations in horse racing.

Photo credit: www.nicomorgan.com

2016 POINT-TO-POINT PONY RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS at Garthorpe Racecourse Saturday 4 June 2016 by kind permission of the Meynell & South Staffordshire Hunt

138cms & Under Treehouse Sporting Colours Novice Riders Race Final

1. Ninfield Millionaire’s Delight – Tara Stockwell
2. Taffy Lou – Sam Brown
3. Bathleyhills Sunlight – Millie Parrington
4. Mouse – Olivia Tubb
5. Wharley Gamecock – James Turner
6. Zebedee – William Jones
6 ran

148cms & Under Treehouse Sporting Colours Novice Riders Race Final

1. Derwent Dream Dancer – Sophie Manners
2. Gulliver IV – Charlotte Butler
3. Basford April Rose – Angus Villiers
4. Millie Butterfly – Robbie Ashe
5. Haunted Heights – Alec Voikhansky
6. Exquisite Midget – Ellie Vaughan
7. Tweasel Whiskers – Rosie Tompkins
8. Count On Me – Molly Roberts
8 ran

138cms & under CONDITIONS Race Final

1. Willow the Wisp – Boris Ball
2. Glin Road – Ger Supple
3. Renaissance III – Henry Main
4. Deehaven Chipmunk – Ivor Herbert
5. Charlie – Ted Featherstone
6. Becca Walk O’The Wildside – Molly Landau
7. Jazz – James Caldwell
8. Balfour Hill Song – Jamie Spencer
9. Coveham Generation – Violet Barton
9 ran

148cms & under CONDITIONS Race Final

1. Little Bull – Toby Wynne
2. The Mumbler – Milo Herbert
3. Little Lucky Lass – Tess Murphy
4. Prince of Thieves – Rose Curtis
5. Rubyroo – Roy Day
6. Quarter Inch – Luke Scott
F All Of My Dreams – Amy Furneaux
F Sextant – Tristan Durrell
8 ran

138cms & under OPEN Championship Final

1. Fair N Square – Camilla Broster
2. Nook Class Act – Minty Bloss
3. Little Anne – Charlie Todd
4. Ninfield Millionaire’s Splendour – Elliot Stockwell
5. Gazza Cruiser – Poppy Scott
5 ran

148cms & under OPEN Championship Final

1. Calypso – Alfie Godfrey
2. Judge Fox – Archie Frank
3. Bongo Bay – Owen Lewis
4. Tiny Dancer – Paddy Barlow
5. Pick Pocket – Nia Kerslake
6. Doppio Movimento – Nick Barratt Atkin
6 ran

THE FINAL RACETECH POINT-TO-POINT PONY RACING RIDER CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS FOR 2016 ARE:

THE 2016 138CMS & UNDER RACETECH CHAMPION RIDER:

MOLLY LANDAU with 117 points

 

2nd place – DANIEL ELLIS with 99 points
3rd place – CAMILLA BROSTER with 92 points

THE 2016 148CMS & UNDER RACETECH CHAMPION RIDER:

CONNOR BRACE with 101 points

2nd place – TAMBY WELCH with 79 points
3rd place – COSMO BALL with 78 points

Those who scored 20 points or more during the season competing in 138cms races are:

Charlie Todd – 86
Minty Bloss – 79
Will Featherstone – 59
Benjamin Bromley – 58
Freddie Gingell – 57
Fergus Gillard – 54
Boris Ball – 53
Olive Nicholls – 51
Alfie Godfrey, Poppy Scott – 49
Ger Supple – 48
Benoit de la Sayette, Tyler Heard – 46
Megan Bevan – 43
Elliot Stockwell – 42
Zara Brooks – 41
Owen Lewis, Kelsie Beilby – 40
Chad Bament – 35
Sarah Evans – 34
Elena Nikou, Joshua Brown – 32
Emma Buckle – 31
Lily Llewellyn – 27
Emma d’Angibau – 25
Jamie Spencer, Ted Featherstone – 24
Ivor Herbert, William Bevan – 22
Anna Bailey, Elliot England, Sophie Smith, Tara Stockwell – 20

Those who scored 20 points or more during the season competing in 148cms races are:

Ben Godfrey – 69
Albi Tufnell – 67
Archie Frank – 61
Joe Bradnam – 58
Alfie Godfrey – 57
Fergus Gillard – 55
William Humphrey – 54
Nick Barratt-Atkin – 53
Angus Villers, Tyler Heard – 52
Charlie Sprake, Paddy Barlow – 42
James Armstrong – 37
Benoit de la Sayette, Jack Tudor – 35
Ella McCain, Roy Day – 32
Nia Kerslake – 30
Harry Myddleton, Violet Barton, William Curtis – 29
Alana Taylor, Becky Wilkins, Owen Lewis – 28
Hamish Clarke – 26
Luca Morgan, Taylor Fisher – 25
Arron Butterfield, Brad Kent, Bruce Young – 24
Alicia Kemppainen, Robbie Ashe – 23
Charlie Todd, Charlotte Butler, George Daly – 22
Harvey Carrington – 21
Ellie Vaughan, Milo Herbert, Noah Brazg Carrell, Oakley Brown,
Sophie Manners, Toby Wynne – 20

What can the horse racing industry do for you?

Teenage jockeys will be able to explore the wide choice of career opportunities open to young people in horse racing through an exclusive Education & Careers Day held on Tuesday 23 August at Newbury Racecourse.

Led by Ollie McPhail, Lead Education Officer with educational charity Racing to School, and supported by other professionals who work in the industry, the day promises to be friendly and informal, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and find out all about careers in horse racing.

With an interesting programme of workshops, moving between the weighing room, race track and visit to the racecourse stables & yard, the day also includes sessions with broadcast company RaceTech Media, the Careers in Racing team and an introduction to racecard reading!

Careers in Racing will be on hand throughout the day to highlight the many different training and careers options on offer and how to access them.

Former jump jockey Ollie McPhail has worked with around 40,000 young people during the last ten years with the charity that uses the UK’s racecourses, trainers’ yards and studs to offer young people a unique learning experience. He said: “The work we do offers real value to young people and promotes so many positive aspects about racing – as a sport and a potential employer.”

Clarissa Daly, chief executive of the Pony Racing Authority, said: “We have a pool of talented  jockeys in their teens who are starting to consider their future career paths – and a dedicated education and careers day is a fantastic opportunity to link up with knowledgeable careers advisors to encourage these young people to consider their choices, and think about progressing from pony racing into careers within the horse racing industry.”

To book your place – which is FREE – please email ponyracingauthority@thejockeyclub.co.uk, including the name and age of the rider attending, and parent contact details. Confirmation of your booking and a full programme will be sent out.

Photo: 14-year-old Will Humphrey riding Hope, March 2016 – photo credit Mark Pugh www.mjayphotography.co.uk 

Wooden horse takes young jockey from Chandlers Ford to Cheltenham to win first pony race

Olivia has been able to take part in racing through an innovative training scheme run and funded by the Pony Racing Authority (PRA), as chief executive Clarissa Daly explained:  “We know there are children who have the talent to become jockeys, but need a helping hand to access the opportunities. Our 12-week youth training scheme, funded by the industry, is designed for children who cannot take part in pony racing because of financial or other circumstances. The scheme aims to get the children fit, skilled and ready to take part in a proper pony race. With Olivia having completed the scheme in 2015, and raced three times that year, it was clear that she has the commitment and ability to take her training further.”

As part of the PRA’s graduate scheme, Olivia has been travelling from her home in Hampshire to Banbury in north Oxfordshire every month for training with Julie and Patrick Scott at Apple Tree Stud, a Pony Club Centre.

According to Olivia, riding the Scotts’ pony Mouse to win at Cheltenham was a dream come true: “Mouse was so brave, he really tried. I knew that if I kept pushing he would keep going all the way to the line. Ruby Walsh is my favourite jockey and to win at Cheltenham where he has had so much success is a dream come true, I still can’t quite believe it actually happened!”

Olivia rides Mouse through the Cheltenham arch with her family to take top spot in the winners enclosure
Olivia rides Mouse through the Cheltenham arch with her family to take top spot in the winners enclosure

Olivia has the enthusiastic support of her family as her father Paul explained: “Because Olivia doesn’t have her own pony to practise on, I decided to design and build her one – quite a challenge for someone who has no carpentry skills! Olivia’s fitness training and work on her riding technique takes place on a wooden horse, named Troy after the legend of the Trojan horse – and also the 1979 Derby winner! Olivia and Troy have climbed the Cheltenham hill and passed the winning post in front of their rivals countless times over the past eighteen months but never dared imagine the dream would turn to reality!”

Praising the training scheme, he said: “Julie and Patrick Scott have been absolutely fantastic, encouraging all the young jockeys and sharing their knowledge with enormous enthusiasm. We’ve clocked up some miles making the two hour drive each way but it’s been absolutely worth it to see Olivia riding so well.”

Clarissa said: “It’s through the generous sponsorship of broadcast services company RaceTech that we’re able to offer these monthly gallops sessions and a chance for our YTS jockeys to race again. We want to keep the enthusiasm and desire going in these riders who have the talent to succeed, and give them a leg up into the horseracing industry.”

For now Olivia is back to riding Troy but hopes to ride in more pony races in the future. Her father Paul said: “Olivia’s only thirteen at the moment but would like to be a jockey when she’s older. She knows she’ll need a bit of luck and for doors to open to achieve her goal, but with Olivia’s levels of dedication and determination she’ll be well placed to grab any opportunity with both hands!”

Teenage jockey makes history by riding last pony race and winning first point-to-point race on same day

Pony racing and point-to-pointing are all in a day’s work for teenage jockey Ben Godfrey who made history by riding in a pony race before switching colours and winning his debut ride in the Hunt Members’ race at Seavington Hunt point-to-point on Sunday  (17 April 2016).

Sixteen-year-old Ben Godfrey had a rapid wardrobe change after taking second place on Calypso in the 148cm pony race and switching colours to win the opening Hunt Members race on Sobre Tresor, trained by Chloe Newman.

An experienced pony racer with ten wins under his belt, Ben became eligible to ride in point-to-points after turning sixteen in March. Having entered the Hunt Members’ race at Seavington, it meant the morning’s pony race would be his last, as his mother Sally explained:

“Ben’s loved his pony racing, which has kept him going all the way. He went up to the British Racing School in February for a two-day course which was fantastic and having the RaceTech Graduate Award has made a great difference in helping with costs of training and competing – he’s also done some riding out.  Having hunted with the Seavington last season, Ben’s really ready to go pointing now – even though he hasn’t been quite as ready to give up his pony to his little brother! “

Sally Godfrey added: “Having to make such a quick change after the pony race, meant Ben didn’t have time to worry about his next ride. Earlier, he had received help walking the course and guidance from Josh Newman, an ex pony racer, which helped to calm his nerves.  Ben’s main aim was to get round, and the horse is a lovely school master type, perfectly capable. Ben rode to orders and it couldn’t have gone better for him.”

Ben Godfrey riding Sobre Tresor in winning point-to-point debut at Seavington Hunt, Littlewindsor
Ben Godfrey riding Sobre Tresor in winning point-to-point debut at Seavington Hunt, Littlewindsor

Clarissa Daly from the Pony Racing Authority commented: “Pony racing is proving to be a very strong foundation for young people to enter the horse racing industry and we’re always looking for ways to give our young jockeys a helping hand. This special graduate award from RaceTech gives the best jockeys who are coming to the end of their point-to-point pony racing a significant financial boost to take up extra training and competition opportunities, and get ready to enter the adult world of racing.”

What are the next steps for Ben? Sally said: “We’re taking it a step at a time. Ben knows he needs to concentrate on his GCSEs and then, who knows what’s next?”

Pony racing showcases talent with launch of 2016 Charles Owen Racecourse Series

The crème de la crème of pony racing will be competing for top spot when the first fixture in the Charles Owen Racecourse Series takes place at Kempton Racecourse on 26 March 2016.

Sponsored by global brand Charles Owen since 2005, the Racecourse Series is the showcase for pony racing talent.  Ponies and riders have to be qualified to compete, and combinations accumulating the most points across the series are eligible to race at the Charles Owen Racecourse Series Finals held on Cheltenham Racecourse on 22 October 2016.

Clarissa Daly, chief executive of the sports governing body the Pony Racing Authority (PRA), said: “The Charles Owen Racecourse Series is as close as it gets to ‘the real thing’, attracting young jockeys who have come through a number of different routes, such as point-to-point pony racing and Pony Club race days, as well as having completed specialist training to ensure they are ready, fit and safe to ride at this elite level.”

“As far as possible, we try to mirror the professional racing experience so that these young riders have a real insight and understanding into the way the professional sport operates. As well as giving them the thrill of a lifetime out on the racecourse, we aim to give riders a strong platform for going into the racing industry, perhaps as an apprentice jockey or into one of the many career paths that racing offers.”

Finals October 2015 at Aintree Racecourse
148cm Finals October 2015 at Aintree Racecourse
Push The Button (Sophie Smith) wins the 138cm & under, Aintree October 2015
Push The Button ridden by Sophie Smith, winner 138cm Finals 2015 at Aintree

Widening participation in pony racing is top priority, as Clarissa explained: “To encourage children onto the Racecourse Series, we are adding three Conditions races which are open to children or ponies who have not been placed (1st – 4th) in a Charles Owen Final in the last two years. This leads up to a Conditions’ Finals at York Racecourse on 4 September. It was so popular when we introduced the format last year – to encourage children to make the step up from point-to-point pony racing – that we’re doing it again!”

Roy Burek, managing director for Charles Owen, said: “We are proud to be sponsoring the Racecourse Series – the top flight of pony racing in Britain – for the eleventh year running. It’s fantastic to see the dedication and passion in these young riders, and the partnership they create with their ponies, to perform at this level. We’re looking forward to an exciting season building up to a highly-competitive final at Cheltenham in October.”

Clarissa Daly added: “Charles Owen’s investment in the sport has been significant and without their steadfast commitment for more than ten years, many of the opportunities today through pony racing would simply not be possible.”

York Prizegiving
Presentation, Conditions Final 2015 at York Racecourse

Notes 

Charles Owen, sponsors Racecourse Series 2016

2016 Charles Owen Racecourse Series fixtures: 

 

26 March                     Kempton

30 March                     Exeter

17 April                        Wincanton

13 May                        Aintree

14 May                        Newmarket

22 May                        Nottingham

30 May                        Huntingdon

2 June                         Ffos Las

5 June                         Goodwood

3 July                          Market Rasen

9 July                          Ascot

24 July                        Uttoxeter

25 July                        Newton Abbot

28 July                         Stratford

4 August                      Great Yarmouth

7 August                      Chelmsford

12 August                    Newbury

18 August                    Stratford

19 August                    Bangor On Dee

27 August                    Beverley

29 August                    Chepstow

4 September               York – CONDITIONS FINALS

4 September               Fontwell

11 September             Bath

25 September             Musselburgh

2 October                    Kelso

22 October                  Cheltenham – FINALS

 Charles Owen Conditions Series

Three Conditions Series races will be held, leading to a Conditions Finals on 4 September at York

13 May            Aintree 

24 July            Uttoxeter

18 August       Stratford

 Charles Owen Finals

The culmination of the Racecourse Series is the Finals held at Cheltenham on 22 October. After racing, the PRA hosts lunch for everyone and sponsors Charles Owen provide a helmet for each finalist.

About Charles Owen www.charlesowen.com

British manufacturer and global brand Charles Owen, best known for its range of riding helmets and body protectors, has been the main sponsor for the Racecourse Series since 2005.

Pony racing widens its appeal with launch of novice rider race series

Young riders with ordinary ponies are being encouraged to give pony racing a try with the launch this month of the Treehouse Sporting Colours Novice Rider Race Series.

Fourteen races will be staged at point-to-point meetings across the country from March to May, and those finishing 1st-4th will be eligible to enter and run in the finals at the Meynell & South Staffordshire Point-to-Point at Garthorpe on Saturday, 4 June.

Lucy Tucker from the Pony Racing Authority, said: “The Novice Rider Race series is specifically designed for those relatively new to pony racing who want to have a go and be competitive alongside others who are of a similar ability. So we are saying to riders with genuine Pony Club and hunting type ponies, these races are just for you, and we can promise you a fantastic day’s experience being treated like a proper jockey and competing on a racecourse!”

Pony racing is aimed at nine to fifteen years olds, and experiencing a race day is just as important as the final placings, as Lucy explained:  “The children get to parade in the paddock before their race, and are escorted to the start by riders from the host hunt. After tack safety checks, the races are started under the careful supervision of stewards and officials. There’s no jumping involved, and the races are generally around four to nine furlongs. Then it’s back to the winner’s enclosure and prize-giving to celebrate the achievement of all the jockeys taking part.”

Theresa Morris, from title sponsor Treehouse Sporting Colours, said: “We’ve always supported pony racing right from the start, and are thrilled to be involved with the Novice Rider Series. Point-to-points are a fantastic way to introduce young riders to racing, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming and the emphasis is always on making sure the children have fun. Good luck to all the young jockeys starting out this season!”

Lucy Tucker added: “With the generous support of Treehouse Sporting Colours as title sponsor for the Novice Rider Series, I am delighted that we can open up pony racing to even more young riders to encourage them to give it a try.”

Pony racing at point-to-points is regulated to strict safety standards by the Pony Racing Authority, working closely with the Point-to-Point Authority.  Since the point-to-point pony racing started on 7 February 2016, 8 out of 79 point-to-point fixtures have staged their pony races, with 140 entries and 117 runners to date.

Entries are open for the first Novice Rider Series race at the Bicester with Whaddon Chase point-to-point on Sunday, 13 March: closing deadline is 6pm Saturday 5 March.

Photo credit: Neale Blackburn, www.chasdog.com

Notes:

Qualifying races Treehouse Sporting Colours Novice Rider Race Series will be staged at:

– Bicester with Whaddon Chase at Whitfield on 13 March 2016

– Lanarkshire & Renfrewshire and Eglinton at Overton on 19 March 2016

– Mendip Farmers at Ston Easton on 20 March 2016 Sun

– Ledbury at Maisemore Park on Saturday, 26 March 2016

– Essex at High Easter on 9 April 2016

– Cotswold at Andoversford on 10 April 2016

– Southdown & Eridge at Godstone on 10 April 2016

– Fife at Balcormo Mains on 23 April 2016

– Lauderdale at Mosshouses on 1 May 2016

– Radnor & West Hereford at Cold Harbourn on 1 May 2016

– Dulverton West at Bratton Down on 15 May 2016

– Grafton Whitfield Sunday, 15 May 2016 Sun, 8 May SM

– Knutsford Races Club at Tabley on 22 May 2016

– North Hereford at Hereford Racecourse on 29 May 2016

Race Conditions are:

  • For Riders who have never WON an OPEN PtP Pony or Pony Club Race and who have NEVER taken part in the Charles Owen Summer Racecourse Series.
  • For genuine Pony Club & hunting type ponies measuring 148cms & under and who have not have been placed 1st -2nd since January 2014 in any recognized pony race. Combinations must be qualified as per the Regulations for Pony Races at entry. Those who finish 1st-4th will be eligible to enter and run in the finals at the Meynell & South Staffordshire Point-to-Point at Garthorpe on Saturday, 4th June. Any combination winning two of the qualifying races won’t be eligible to enter any further qualifying races.Once a combination has won two of the qualifying races they will no longer be eligible to compete in the qualifying races until the Championship Finals, which will be staged on Saturday, 4th June at Garthorpe.

race_tech-150x60The RaceTech Graduate Award (Point-to-Point)

The rider with the most points at the end of the season and who is eligible and wishes to ride in point-to-point races the following season will be awarded £500 sponsorship under the Point-to-Point Riders Sponsorship Scheme (RSS) which can be put towards the costs associated with medicals and Riders Qualification Certificates (RQC’s) required to be able to ride in point-to-point races.

race_tech-150x60The RaceTech Riders Championships

Points are being given to the first four past the post 1st:7, 2nd: 5, 3rd: 3 and 4th: 1. Presentations will be made to both the 148cms & 138cms rider with the most points at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Point-to-point pony racing sponsors

RaceTech Media  www.racetech.co.uk

Broadcast media services company RaceTech is the main sponsor for point-to-point pony racing, sponsoring the Championship Rider Titles and Pony Racing Graduate awards during the 2016 season.

Treehouse Sporting Colours www.treehouseonline.co.uk

Equestrian safety wear specialists Treehouse Sporting Colours sponsors the 14 races in the Novice Rider Series during the 2016 season.

Dunraven Stud www.dunravenstud.com

Dunraven Stud sponsors the 2016 point-to-point pony racing planner which is distributed to all PRA members.