An exhibition pony race will open the card on a big day of racing at Murray Bridge on March 5, which features the richest juvenile race in South Australia, the Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic.
Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), together with Racing SA, Pony Club Australia, and the Murray Bridge Racing Club are collaborating to put on the pony race.
The inaugural TIC pony race was recently held in conjunction with Magic Millions and the Brisbane Racing Club at Queensland’s Doomben racecourse, and Murray Bridge will carry on the fun following on from the Australia Day pony race at Warwick Farm with the Australian Turf Club.
As one of TIC’s main operating pillars, pony racing is aimed at generating industry involvement, and interest at a grassroots level.
“The best way to know a sport is to participate in it, and our goal is to reach as many young riders as we can so that they will be able to understand all the career opportunities the thoroughbred industry offers,” said TIC Chief Executive Officer, Lindy Maurice.
“In turn, we hope this assists to alleviate the nationwide staff shortages in the long term.
“The ponies were well-received in both Brisbane and Sydney, so we’re excited to continue and bring this initiative into South Australia, with the support of Racing SA and the Murray Bridge Racing Club.”
Thoroughbred auction house, Magic Millions has been a big supporter of TIC and were instrumental in the inaugural Pony Race in Brisbane. Their support has continued with this Murray Bridge edition, and will provide additional entertainment to patrons attending the standout race meeting.
“We have seen the positive reaction the TIC pony race has had on raceday patrons interstate, so we jumped at the chance to support Lindy and bring the race here to South Australia so our locals can also join in the fun,” said Racing SA CEO Nick Redin.
“The Magic Millions SA Raceday is a highlight on our calendar, and the 2022 edition features the running of not only the 2YO Classic but the new $120,000 3YO & 4YO Classic.
"The addition of the TIC Pony Race and the involvement from the local pony clubs only adds to the thrill of the day,” he said.
The exhibition race will see up to 10 ponies race down the Gifford Hill home straight.
The riders and ponies are sourced via the Pony Club Australia network, of which TIC is a major sponsor.
“Pony Club Australia provides riding and horsemanship education in a broad range of horse sports, and we are pleased to offer this additional opportunity to our riders at such a big event, said Pony Club Australia CEO Catherine Ainsworth.
“Selected riders will be able to demonstrate their partnership with their pony and showcase their riding skills to an audience of horse-lovers.”
Formed in 2019, TIC is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide a centralised platform to promote racing and breeding industry careers options, introduce grassroots programs, facilitate best practice education pathways and assist in developing staff retention and welfare strategies for career longevity.
IMAGE: Michael McInally
