Grassroots programs serve as breeding ground for industry participants of the future

Racing Victoria (RV) has reinforced its commitment to fostering a love of the horse and to creating new pathways into the thoroughbred racing industry by establishing partnerships with a range of grassroots programs, including the 2024-25 National Pony Racing Series.

RV has joined forces with Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) to sponsor and support the popular pony racing series, which heads to The Valley tomorrow (Saturday, 22 March) on 3 Point Motors William Reid Stakes Day for Victoria’s State Qualifying Day. 

In the lead-up to the qualifiers, close to 40 Pony Club members aged between nine and 15 gathered at Ballarat on 8 and 9 March to learn about horse care and welfare, safe riding and the suite of career options available in the thoroughbred racing industry.

As well as partnering with TIC to support the series, which culminates with the National Finals in Queensland this June, RV has also signed an agreement with Pony Club Victoria (PCV) to provide coaching and support for its Ride To Time disciplines.

The Ride To Time program, which teaches skills and techniques aligned to trackwork riding, includes a series of statewide heats culminating in a final at The Valley this September.

In addition, RV has extended its partnership with the Box Hill Institute, which sees TAFE students on its equine studies course given experiential learning in simulated racing stable environments at Pakenham and Geelong, along with behind-the-scenes tours on racedays.

As part of the program, the students complete their minimum requirements for licensing as a stablehand in Victoria. The partnership saw 120 students provided practical education in 2024 and this month a new group of 100 students commenced their studies for 2025.

Aaron Morrison, RV’s Chief Executive, said: “One of the key pillars of the racing industry is the love our participants show for the thoroughbreds in their care, and that love is forged from an early age which is why we are delighted to support these grassroots programs.

“The education these youngsters receive and the skills the programs equip them with will stand them in good stead should they wish to pursue one of the many career opportunities available in the racing industry.

“The National Pony Racing Series has garnered widespread interest over recent years and we’re pleased to support the Victorian qualifiers. The young riders engaged at The Valley on Saturday will get a unique opportunity to compete at the home of the Cox Plate.”

The National Pony Racing Series qualifiers will feature at 11.30am and 1.30pm tomorrow alongside a bumper 11 race card headlined by the $1 million Group 1 William Reid Stakes.