National Pony Racing Series Finals take centre stage

The excitement is building as the 2025 National Pony Racing Series Finals prepare to take centre stage at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, 7 June, showcasing the nation’s most promising young riders and their ponies.

Now in its second season, the National Pony Racing Series is a collaboration between Thoroughbred Industry Careers, led by Lindy Maurice, and Pony Club Australia, designed to introduce young equestrians to the thrill of racing and career opportunities within the thoroughbred industry. Following the success of last year’s Finals at Randwick on All Aged Stakes Day, the series has grown in scope and recognition.

This year’s series has travelled across six states – New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Queensland – culminating in 12 qualifying races involving around 120 young riders, each proudly wearing racing silks sponsored by some of the biggest names in Australian racing.

Arrowfield Stud is proud to be part of a team of industry sponsors supporting the Series, alongside Chris Waller Racing, Carl and Lorraine Holt, Ciaron Maher Racing, Frank and Christine Cook, Godolphin, Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Inglis, Lizzie Jelfs Racing Club, Magic Millions, Peachester Lodge, Pinecliff Racing, Ranvet, Ridgemont Farm, Seymour Bloodstock, Swettenham Stud, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Woppitt Bloodstock and Yulong Stud.

Principal Racing Authorities: Racing Victoria, Racing SA, Racing WA, Racing TAS and Racing Queensland have also supported the series.

The ponies, riders, and their families have travelled from across the country to the Gold Coast for this prestigious event – a remarkable journey and a testament to their dedication and love for the sport. More than a race, the series aims to educate and inspire the next generation of equestrian professionals by spotlighting the career pathways within the thoroughbred industry, while also placing a strong emphasis on horse health and welfare. 

Isabella Swain & her pony Just Jenny won the Small Pony Race at Launceston in February 2025. (PHOTO: Thoroughbred Industry Careers)

Finalists aged 9 to 15 years old, all members of Pony Club Australia, have competed in two height categories:

  • Ponies not exceeding 12.2 hands high
  • Ponies over 12.2 and not exceeding 14 hands high

Arrowfield’s famous black & yellow diamond silks will be worn by 15 year-old Isabella Swain, who is making one of the longer journeys, from York Town & the West Tamar Pony Club in northern Tasmania, with her pony Lyric Lodge “Just Jenny” to compete in Saturday’s Small Pony Final after winning the State Final in February.

The pair have been a partnership for 11 years and Isabella says that that what she loves most about pony racing is “the pure joy that runs through my body as I gallop down the straight on my favourite little pony Jenny. As well as all the skills that I have learnt and memories made while having fun.” 

And beyond pony racing: “The opportunities and friendships that I get from riding horses have been amazing. I love the satisfaction of riding horses, the joy and sometimes the solitude and serenity riding through bush tracks gives me.”

The ponies, riders, and their families have travelled from across the country to the Gold Coast for this prestigious event – a remarkable journey and a testament to their dedication and love for the sport.

More than a race, the series aims to educate and inspire the next generation of equestrian professionals by spotlighting the career pathways within the thoroughbred industry, as well as placing a strong emphasis on horse health and welfare.

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