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

Three young jockeys who have excelled this season in point-to-point pony racing were presented with their Championship Rider prizes in kind by Tom Phillips, Executive Chairman of RaceTech, at Cheltenham Racecourse on 22 October. Riders accumulate points towards the Championship throughout the season, and the prize-giving was followed by a day of hospitality.

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