View the latest PRA Update here.
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New PRA Equine Influenza Vaccination Regulations for 2024
December 2023
Please see the updated regulations on vaccinations for Equine Influenza for ponies wishing to race with the PRA in 2024:
Any change to a Pony’s name must be registered with the passport provider of the Pony’s original passport.
No Pony shall be permitted to take part in any PRA recognised Pony Race unless it is:
-Accompanied on the day by its current valid Passport
-The Pony has been registered with the PRA in accordance with Regulation 16
Every Pony must have valid Vaccinations, which undeniably relate to that Pony, completed, signed and stamped on each line by a Veterinary Surgeon, who is not the owner or trainer of the animal.
It must state that the Pony has received two primary vaccination injections for Equine Influenza given no less than 21 days and no more than 60 days apart.
(Only these first two injections need to have been given before the Pony may compete).
In addition, a first booster injection must be given no less than 120 days and no more than 180 days after the second injection of the primary vaccination.
Subsequently, booster injections must be given at intervals of not more than 6 months commencing after the first booster injection.
None of these injections must have been given within the preceding seven days, including the day of the Pony Race.
Any pony that restarted their primary course of vaccinations during 2023 must have had a 6 monthly booster following their primary course.
Ponies that started their vaccination course BEFORE 2023 and had a compliant record up until 30.09.2023 (even using 12 monthly boosters and previous primary course vaccination intervals) are eligible to race so long as they have 6 monthly boosters from this date.
Any pony whose vaccinations are not currently compliant will be required to restart their vaccinations before they can be registered with the PRA.
A Passport will not be regarded as being completed as required under the PRA Regulations if any record of vaccinations against Equine Influenza is altered in any way.
An incorrect entry must be deleted and a new entry made, signed by the Veterinary Surgeon who was responsible for giving the vaccination.
The owner of any Pony which enters a PRA Pony Race shall be guilty of an offence when:
– That Pony has not been vaccinated as required for which there is a fine of £25.
– The vaccination section of the Passport has not been endorsed as required or the said document is not available for inspection as required for which there is a fine of £25.
-If there is a breach of Regulation 59 (ii) the Pony will not be permitted to run on the day.
-It shall be the responsibility of the Owner to ensure that when any Pony enters the venue on the day of which a PRA Pony Race is held that its Passport is available for inspection at any time whilst it is on that property. It is also the responsibility of the Owner of a Pony to ensure at all times that vaccinations required under the PRA Regulations have been correctly administered and properly entered on the Passport.
2023 Racecourse Series Fixture List
Click Here for the Draft Fixture List
Careers Day at the Races
RacingtoSchool are running 3 fantastic, free to attend Careers Days at the Races over the half term holidays for Pony Club members. These are fantastic days for any child who would like to find out more about the vast number of careers available in the racing industry.
The direct booking form link is as follows:
Point-to-Point Pony Racing in 2022
Click here to view the Provisional Fixture List for Point-to-Point Pony Races next season.
2019 Charles Owen Series Draws to a Close
The Finals of the 2019 Charles Owen Racecourse Series were run at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday 17th November 2019. Both races were hard fought in testing conditions with Harry Davies on Little Anne coming out on top in the 138 cm race and Ed Vaughan riding White Water winning the 148 cm race. (See full results)
The Series has been run at 24 Racecourses starting at Aintree in May. The ponies have travelled from Fakenham to Chepstow, Fontwell to Ffos Las, Musselburgh to Great Yarmouth in a bid to win points to qualify for the Finals. 20 children qualified for the two races and it was a pleasure to see them competing in such inspiring surroundings under the watchful eyes of A P McCoy and Ruby Walsh.
This year’s races saw a recent graduate of the PRA’s Youth Training Scheme having his first ride in the finals. Ben Colmer started pony racing on the PRA’s funded scheme for those who don’t own their own pony. Ben has gone on to ride in many pony races since and it was a fitting end to his pony racing career to see him ride in the finals. Ben, who is currently riding out for Andrew Balding and Eve Johnson-Houghton, will be going to the BRS when leaving school next summer.
The 138 cm race was won by Little Anne who beat Push The Button – a pony who has now competed in 7 Series Finals and has won 50 Charles Owen Series races. Push The Button is the winning most pony of the Series and is responsible for starting the careers of Charlotte Greenway, Sean Bowen, James Bowen and Sophie Smith. She was ridden by Thomas Bradburne on Sunday.
Push the Button with Sophie Smith and Thomas Bradburne
After 12 years of sponsorship, this was Charles Owen’s last series. Clarissa Daly, CEO of the PRA said: “Charles Owen have been an incredible partner over the last 12 years and we could not have come this far without their support. They have branded the racecourse series and made it their own so they will be hard to replace. However we would like to thank them for everything they have done and in particular we will remember Roy Burek, Chairman of Charles Owen, who sadly passed away in April, for his personal support.”
Roy Burek presenting the cups to the winners of the 2018 Charles Owen Finals
The PRA is grateful to everyone who makes this happen. These jockeys would not be able to practice their skills and experience the thrill of race riding without the support of the racecourses, BHA officials and our supporters including RaceTech Media and CareersinRacing. With over 100 graduates of pony racing now holding a licence and more to come from this year the future looks bright for British jockeys.
Nasal Swab Reimbursement Form
For those who are competing in the 2019 Charles Owen Series, please download the reimbursement form for your nasal swabs here:
BHA Update – Equine Influenza
The BHA have today released an update on Equine Influenza in the UK. Following a decrease in the number of reported outbreaks of Equine Influenza in the United Kingdom and Europe, the BHA Veterinary Committee have agreed to further relax the requirements for all horses on Racecourse Property. This includes runners from non-Licenced yards (ARO, Hunter Chasers and PRA), non-GB runners (including France and Ireland) and other horses on racecourses (for example ROR).
The PRA’s work with St James’ City Farm
Lovely article here on what hard work and determination can lead to!
Click Here to read about the youngsters from St James’ City Farm, Gloucester
Sad Loss to the Equestrian Industry
Roy was a pioneer of equestrian safety and a champion of pony racing. With Roy’s support through Charles Owen sponsorship, pony racing has grown and developed in GB to produce many of the top jockeys riding today.
Edward Gillespie, Chairman of the PRA, said “We are so sorry to hear Roy has died. This is a sad loss to the equestrian world. His long term support has ensured many children have enjoyed pony racing and been given the chance to ride at many racecourses. He will be missed and we send our condolences to his family”
