Latest PRA News

24/08/10
Any Riders in their last year of Pony Racing are encouraged to apply to Charles Owen for sponsorship next year.  The new initiatve has been developed to assist one aspiring jockey from the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series during their first year of racing.  Further details and an application form are on the inside back page of the 2010 Pony Racing fixtures booklet. 
24/08/10
Following recent Pony Races at Southwell and Sedgefield, Riders are reminded that it is their responsibility to weigh at the corrcet weight and with their own lead.  Racecourses and valets do not have enough for professional jockeys and those riding in Pony Races, and they should not be asked to provide it. 
19/08/10
Congratulations to Becky Brisbourne who had her first ride on the Flat yesterday at Carlisle Racecourse and finished second.
16/08/10
Entries for the 138cm & Under Charles Owen Pony Race at Goodwood Racecourse on Sunday 29th August will remain open until 10:00am on Friday 20th August.  If you wish to make an Entry please ensure it has been received by Caroline Hutsby, Chief PRA Steward, by then. 
10/08/10
Entries for Sedgefield Pony Races on Tuesday 24th August will remain open until 10:00am on Monday 16th August.  If you wish to make an Entry please send your Entry Form and Entry Fee to Caroline Hutsby, Chief PRA Steward, by then. 
04/08/10
The Pony Registration Certificate of Joker Jack has been withdrawn following a breach of PRA Regulation 10. 
29/07/10
The following Pony Racing riders will shortly be taking their Category A Amateur Licence Course at the BRS - William Tiwston-Davies, Tom Bellamy, George Shaw, Harry Derham and Freddie Mitchell.   
28/07/10
The PRA Board has withdrawn the Pony Registration Certificates of Footsie and Maghera Tom following breach of PRA Regulation 12.  Investigations are on-going involving the PRA, BHA and Trading Standards. 
22/07/10
Entries for Great Yarmouth Pony Races on Thursday 5th August will remain open until 10:00am on Thursday 29th July.  If you wish to make an Entry and have not already done so please ensure your Entry Form and Entry Fee has been received by the Chief PRA Steward by then.
19/07/10
The BRS has spaces available on its Level 2 Pony Racing Training Day on Friday 20th August.  If you would like to attend, and to find out more, call Clare Higgins at the BRS on 01638 675 907. 
14/07/10
The Injured Jockeys Fund's Oaksey House (Lambourn) will be running fitness sessions exclusively for PRA members on Tuesday evenings from 5:15pm-6:00pm throughout the Summer holidays on 27th July, 3rd August, 10th August, 17th August, 24th August and 31st August.  The cost is £5pp and parents will be requested to provide medical information prior to their child's participation.   Places are limited, must be pre-booked and are only offered to PRA members with their own insurance.  For further information and to book please call Oaksey House on 01488 674 242.    
13/07/10
Rhoden Midnight Diamond has had its Pony Registration Certificate witheld by The PRA Board.  PRA Regulation 24 was contravened and therefore the Pony is no longer eligable to compete for the remainder of the current Pony Racing season. 
05/07/10
Fontwell Racecourse have today informed The PRA that they are unable to stage Pony Races on their scheduled date of 5th September.  No alternative dates have been offered by the Racecourse and therefore Fontwell Pony Races have been cancelled for 2010. 
02/07/10
Congratulations to Pony Racing graduate Hadden Frost who has recently been appointed Stable Jockey to Henrietta Knight.  Hadden begins his new role in September and rode his first Cheltenham Festival winner earlier this year in March.
30/06/10
The Northern Racing College (NRC) has places available on its Pony Racing Camps for 26th - 30 July (9 - 13 year olds) and 9th - 13th August (14 - 15 year olds).  The cost is £300 per place and for further information contact Michelle Bardsley at the NRC on 01302 861 000. 
28/06/10
Entries for Perth Pony Races on Sunday 11th July will remain open until 10:00am on Friday 2nd July.  If you wish to make an Entry and have not already done so, please ensure your completed and signed Entry Form and Entry Fee has been received by Caroline Hutsby, Chief PRA Steward, by then.
25/06/10
Riders who join The PRA and have only one ride in a PRA Pony Race during 2010 will be eligable for a 40% refund on their membership fee if they write to The PRA Chief Executive between 25th October and 8th November 2010 listing the date and venue of their only ride.  This was introduced at the beginning of 2010 for the first time.
22/06/10
The PRA is working closely with the Northern Racing College (NRC) to set up a Pony Racing Academy for children that do not own ponies to have the opportunity to learn to race ride and participate in Pony Races, particularly those from urban areas.  Together, The PRA and NRC are looking for suitable ponies that might be loaned to the NRC for this exciting new project, intended to begin this Autumn.  If you would like to support this and have or know of a pony that would be suitable to loaning please contact Michelle Bardsley, Training Coordinator at the NRC, on 01302 861 009.     
21/06/10
Congratulations to the many Pony Racing graduates who rode winners during the 2010 Point-to-Point season.  The final meeting was held at Umberleigh on 12th June where Jake Greenall and Gina Andrews both rode winners.  In addition, the following graduates enjoyed notable success Point-to-Pointing this year;
- Jake Greenall finished third in the Men's Championship with 36 winners
- Tom Cannon won the Leading Men's Novice Award with 12 winners and was second in the South East Male Rider Award
- Amie Waugh finished third equal in the Leading Women Novice Riders' Award with four winners
- The Princess Royal Trophy (for Under 21 Lady Riders) saw three Pony Racing graduates finish in second and third equal position for the award which was won by Amie Waugh
- Bridget Andrews won the East Anglia Female Novice Rider Award and was third equal with Sarah Gould for The Princess Royal Trophy 
- Grant Cockburn won the Wilkinson Sword Gentleman Novice Rider Under 21 Award with 7 winners
- George Henderson won the Midlands Novice Rider Award
- Gina Andrews won the East Anglia Female Rider Award
- Jack Quinlan was second in the East Anglia Male Novice Rider Award
- Nick Slatter won the West Midlands Male Novice Rider Award
- Jack Barber was the Wessex Area's Leading Owner with Thisthatandother
10/06/10
Pony Racing graduates enjoyed a treble at Newton Abbot yesterday with Sam Twiston-Davies riding a double and Hadden Frost also enjoying a winner. 
08/06/10
Joshua Newman rode his first winner on the Flat recently at Redcar aboard Poppy Smart in a 6f Amateur Riders Handicap. 
08/06/10
Pony Racing graduates to have enjoyed recent successess in the Point-to-Point field include Jake Greenall (Flint & Denbigh, Haydon and Albrighton Woodland), George Henderson (Harborough Race Club) and Sam Drinkwater (Albrighton Woodland)
27/05/10

Torrington Farmers Point-to-Point on June 12 will be hosting a real ‘Festival of Pony Racing’ - not only will they host the finals of the Devon and Cornwall Area championship after the final point to point race, but also the Wessex Area Finals.

Wessex lost their finals when the meeting at Larkhill, where the races were due to be held, was cancelled due to hard ground .  Fortunately for the children who have been racing during the season, the Torrington Farmers stepped in to save the day and there will be four pony races to enjoy.

27/05/10
Pony Racing graduates who enjoyed success last week Point-to-Pointing include Sam Drinwkater (Clifton on Teme) and Jake Greenall (double at Meynell & South Staffordshire).
19/05/10
Pony Racing graduates continue to fly the flag for the sport riding winners Point-to-Pointing with last weekend's victorious riders including Jake Greenall (Weston & Banwell Minors), Gina Andrews and George Henderson (Hunter Chase winners at Folkestone) and Jamie Hamilton (Border).
18/05/10
George Shaw and Connor Flint, winners of the 2009 Charles Owen Pony Racing Finals, will be receiving awards on Monday 24th May at the prestigious Anglo-Irish Jump Racing Awards in London.  Hosted by Clare Balding, the luncheon and awards look back at the 2009/2010 Jump racing season and honours the sport's stars from both sides of the Irish sea with a variety of awards including Jump Horse of the Year.  Gold Cup winning jockeys Sam Thomas and Andrew Thornton will be joining The PRA's table celebrating the two winners of last year's Finals.    
17/05/10
Entries for Newmarket Pony Races on Sunday 30th May will remain open until 10:00am on Friday 21st May.  Anybody wishing to make an Entry should ensure that their Entry Form (correctly completed and signed) and £15 Entry Fee payable to The PRA has been received by Caroline Hutsby, Chief PRA Steward, by then. 
17/05/10
Entries for the 138cm & Under Charles Owen Pony Race at Towcester Racecourse on Monday 31st June will remain open until 10:00am on Friday 21st May.  Those wishing to make an Entry should ensure it has been received by Caroline Hutsby, Chief PRA Steward, by then.
12/05/10
Congratulations to the following graduates of Pony Racing who enjoyed successes between the flags last weekend - Tom Cannon (four timer at Cambridge with Enfield Chase and winner at Surrey Union), Sam Drinkwater (North Ledbury & Cheltenham Hunter Chase Evening), Jake Greenall (Bilsdale and treble Melton Hunt Club) 
10/05/10
The PRA Board have withdrawn the Pony Registration Certificate of Sianwood Owen for 2010.  The Pony is therefore not eligable to be Entered or run in Pony Races for the remainder of this season.  In the opinion of The PRA Board and Pony Racing organisers the Pony was deemed unsuitable for Pony Racing this season.
06/05/10
Pony Racing graduate Grant Cockburn features on the inside back page of this week's Horse & Hound in the "From the Archives" feature.
05/05/10
Congratulation to Jamie Hamilton who rode his first Point-to-Point winner on his first ride last weekend aboard Waterford, trained by his mother Wendy. 

Jake Greenall who enjoyed many Pony Racing winners is turning professional at the end of this Point-to-Point season and will be joining Shropshire trainer Henry Daly. 
04/05/10
The PRA Board have withdrawn the Pony Registration Certificate of Fiddlers Bridge for 2010.  The Pony is therefore not eligable to be Entered or run in Pony Races for the remainder of this season.  In the opinion of The PRA Board and Pony Racing organisers the Pony was deemed unsuitable for Pony Racing this season.   
01/05/10
Entries for Bangor Pony Races on Saturday 15 May will remain open until 10:00am on Friday 7th May.  For those wishing to make an Entry please ensure it has been received by Caroline Hutsby, Chief PRA Steward, by then.
30/04/10
The Pony Racing Authority has launched the Jan Wilson Memorial Award, in memory of the young Apprentice jockey tragically killed in a fire at Malton last September, ahead of what would have been Jan's 20th birthday tomorrow.  Full details will be added to this website shortly.  More imemdiately, information on the new Award is publihsed in today's Racing Post.
28/04/10
Congratulations to Gemma Tutty who rode her first Point-to-Point winner aboard Astral Prince in the Ladies' Open at Easingwold last weekend. 
27/04/10
Congratulations to Pony Racing graduate Tom Cannon who enjoyed a winner at Fontwell on 22nd April aboard Days of Pleasure in a Handicap Hurdle. 
22/04/10
A number of Pony Racing graduates are currently vying for National Point-to-Point Championships and include Jake Greenall (currently third in the Men's Title), Grant Cockburn (currently third for the Leading Men's Novice Rider and fifth for the Leading Novice Riders), Bridget Andrews and Sarah Gould (currently third equal for the Leading Women's Novice Rider) and Nick Slatter (currently fourth in the Leading Novice Riders).  Congratulations to them and the many others who are enjoying great success Point-to-Pointing.
22/04/10
Pony Racing graduates continue to ride winners Point-to-Pointing with last weekend's winners including Sarah Gould (victories at the South & West Wilts and Seavington), Robbie Llewellyn (Ystrad Taf Fechan), Jake Greenall (four winners at the Cheshire) and Nick Slatter (Cotswold Vale Farmers). 
19/04/10
The Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point Area Finals at Umberleigh will be restricted to riders who live in the D&C area and have competed in the D&C area races this season. If the finals are oversubscribed then enteries will be balloted on a 'points earned' scale. But it is hoped to include all the riders from the area who have entertained the crowds during the season!
19/04/10
Congratulations to George Crate who won his 25th Pony Race this weekend at the East Essex & Romney Marsh meeting on Sunday.
15/04/10
Congratulations to Kelly Morgan who rode her first winner recently at Market Rasen aboard Dobravany in the Lady Riders Selling Hurdle, trained by her Mother. 
15/04/10
Garthorpe Point-to-Point will also be staging Pony Races on 9th May.  To find out more and make an Entry contact Joey Newton on 07785 291 915 or email jr.newton@btconnect.com
14/04/10
The following graduates from Pony Racing enjoyed Point-to-Point successes last week; Sam Drinkwater (Croome & West Warwickshire), Jack Barber (West Somerset Vale and a treble at Portman), Nick Slatter (Cotswold) and Jake Greenall (double at Middleton).  If you have recently had a winner or enjoyed your first ride in a Point-to-Point please do let The PRA know.
13/04/10
Please note that the PRA Board has amended Regulation 3 and qualification for the 2010 Racecourse Series has altered.  The Regulation has been added to and now permits Riders and Ponies as a combination that finished first for fourth in a Racecourse Series Pony Race since 1st August 2009 to be eligable to compete in this year's Series.  Please view the Regulation in full on the Regulations section of this website. 
07/04/10
Congratulations to this week's Pony Racing graduates who continue to ride Point-to-Point winners: Jake Greenall (Bedale and Statintondale), Grant Cockburn (Percy), Nick Slatter (North Cotswold), Oliver Murphy (Old Berkshire), George Henderson (South Notts) and Freddy Tett (Vine & Craven).  If you have recently ridden a Point-to-Point winner or had your first ride and your name is not listed please do let The PRA Know.
05/04/10
The Old Berkshire Pony racing on the 5th April at Lockinge will be accepting late entries. If you would like to enter please see the fixture list and contact Tessa Good.
31/03/10
Congratulations to Pony Racing graduates who rode winners Point-to-Pointing last week - Jack Barber (Avon Vale), Guy Henderson (Belvoir), Jake Greenall (Belvoir), Grant Concburn (Berwickshire), Gina Andrews (Easton Harriers) and Bridget Andrews (Easton Harriers).  
29/03/10
Entries for the Charles Owen Pony Races at Kelso Racecourse on Sunday 11th April will remain open until 10:00am on Saturday 3rd April.  If you have not made an Entry and wish to do so please send your Entry and Entry Fee to to Caroline Hutsby, Chief PRA Steward, Walton Farm, Walton, Warwick CV35 9HX by then. 
29/03/10
Pony Racing graduates continue to progress successfully to Point-to-Pointing with the following graduates from the sport recently having ridden winners - Jake Greenall (Hurworth and Wilton), Gina Andrews (Essex Farmers & Union) and Sarah Gould (Mendip Farmers).  Congratulations to them and the many others who are riding successfully Point-to-Pointing. 
29/03/10
The PRA Board have withdrawn the Pony Registration Certificate belonging to Fritzz.  The Pony is therefore not eligable to be Entered in or to run in Pony Races.  It is the opinion of The PRA Board that the Pony is unsuitable to Pony Racing and poses a serious risk to not only those riding and leading it up but also to others within the Pony's vicinity on a raceday.     
23/03/10
Northern PRA Steward Required
The PRA is looking to recruit a Northern PRA Steward to officiate at a number of Racecourse Series Pony Races in northern England and Scotland during 2010.  The individual will be impartial and have no involvement/connections with Pony Racing.  The PRA Steward must converse competently with chidlren and adults - from riders and parents to officials - have a good eye for detail and gain a thorough understanding of Pony Racing Regulations.  For further information please contact Rebecca Morgan, PRA Cheif Executive, on 01242 513 014 or email info@pra.gb.com
22/03/10
Two Pony Racing graduates rode their first Cheltenham Festival winners last week.  Hadden Frost won the Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle aboard Buena Vista for trainer David Pipe and Sam Twiston-Davies won the Christie's Foxhunter Chase on Baby Run for his father Nigel Twiston-Davies.  Congratulations to both.  Hadden won the very first regulated Pony Race at Newton Abbot in 2004.   
10/03/10
Congratulations to the following Pony Racing graduates who rode Point-to-Point Winners last weekend - Jake Greenal (Cumberland Farmers and Derwent), Jack Barber (East Devon), Grant Cockburn (College Valley & North Northumberland), George Henderson (Cottesmore), Nick Slatter (Ross Harriers) and Gina Andrews (Suffolk).  If your name is not listed and you have ridden winners or recently ridden in your first Point-to-Point The PRA would love to hear from you!
10/03/10
Congratulations to the following Pony Racing graduates who rode Point-to-Point Winners last weekend - Jake Greenall (Cumberland Farmers and Derwent), Jack Barber (East Devon), Grant Cockburn (College Valley & North Northumberland), George Henderson (Cottesmore), Nick Slatter (Ross Harriers) and Gina Andrews (Suffolk).  If your name is not listed and you have ridden winners or recently ridden in your first Point-to-Point The PRA would love to hear from you!
10/03/10
Congratulations to the following Pony Racing graduates who rode Point-to-Point Winners last weekend - Jake Greenall (Cumberland Farmers and Derwent), Jack Barber (East Devon), Grant Cockburn (College Valley & North Northumberland), George Henderson (Cottesmore), Nick Slatter (Ross Harriers) and Gina Andrews (Suffolk).  If your name is not listed and you have ridden winners or recently ridden in your first Point-to-Point The PRA would love to hear from you!
08/03/10
The Rose Bengal Scholarship is rewarding riders (one in each race category) that have consistently shown hard work, dedication, commitment and improvement throughout the Charles Owen Pony Racing Series which takes place on racecourses. It uncludes one weeks tuition at the British Racing School or Northern Racing College, personailised racing breeches, made to measure racing boots, a racing saddle, 12 months membership to the Jockeys Association, and a VIP day at Cheltenham Racecourse with Channel 4 Racing, including private tuition on a mechanical horse from top jump jockeys and media training.
08/03/10
When making entries for Point-to-Point pony races please make sure your pony is registered as per Regulation 14 (i) page 6 of the Regulation Booklet.

Ponies must be registered by 12 noon the Monday before the meeting. no late registrations or incomplete ones will be accepted after this date.

PRC forms must be sent to Caroline Hutsby along with a complete copy of the passport (including vaccination page), a picture of the pony signed by the DC or Hunt Secretary and if applicable (reg 16ii) a copy of a valid JMB height certificate.
03/03/10
Congratulations to the following Pony Racing graduates who rode Point-to-Point winners last weekend - Sam Twiston-Davies, Jack Barber, Jake Greenall, Bridget Andrews and Gina Andrews. 

03/03/10
The 138cm race at The Mid Surrey Drag meeting at Godstone on Sunday 7th March will be over 5 furlongs, not 7 furlongs as per the schedule.
25/02/10
The Taunton Vale Harriers meeting at Kingston St Mary on 28th February 2010 has been abandoned due to a water logged course.
25/02/10
For in depth reviews from Point-to-Point Pony Races click here
23/02/10
The Duke of Beaufort's Point-to-Point Pony Racing 6th March
New for this year the Beaufort Hunt is holding Point-to-Point pony racing, scheduled before the point-to-point racing it will stage a 138cm race and a 148cm race. Entries please to Rosemary Charrington as per the information on the fixture list.
23/02/10

The JMB offices will be closed from 7th - 30th May 2010.  Owners should post equine passports with JMB pages in them for updating with a recent measurement to the JMB so that they can be returned before the office closes.

Official Measurers will be told not to send Measurement Application Forms and existing JMB Measurement Certificates to arrive during this period.  Passports with JMB pages will be updated and sent back to owners as long as both the Measurement Application Forms and the passports are received before 6th May.  Owners are reminded that once an animal's passport is posted the animal cannot be moved from its stable or field and that if the passport cannot be returned within 5 working days a temporary passport has to be applied for.

 

22/02/10
When making entries for Point-to-Point pony races please make sure your pony is registered as per Regulation 14 (i) page 6 of the Regulation Booklet.
'PRCs must be recieved in post or in person by the Chief PRA Steward no later than 12noon on a monday in order to be eligible to enter in races whose entries close the following Friday.'
22/02/10
Pony Racing graduate Philip Prince successfuly gained his license from the BHA last year, and rode his first winner aboard Miss Firefly for Ron Hodges at Wolverhampton at the beginning of February.  Philip features in the BBC's See Hear television programme on Monday 10th March which includes an interview about Philip with former Flat racing legend Willie Carson.   
22/02/10
Pony Racing graduate Philip Prince successfuly gained his license from the BHA last year, and rode his first winner aboard Miss Firefly for Ron Hodges at Wolverhampton at the beginning of February.  Philip features in the BBC's See Hear television programme on Monday 10th March which includes an interview about Philip with Flat racing legend Willie Carson.   
20/02/10
The Carmarthenshire meeting at Erw Lon on Saturday 20th February has been POSTPONED due to snow. They are currently looking for an alternative date.
17/02/10
Congratulations to Pony Racing graduates Jack Barber (Thisthatandtother at Milborne St Andrew) and Nick Slatter (Fifty Yearson at Barbury Racecourse) who both rode Point-to-Point winners last weekend.
16/02/10
For riders who have progressed from Pony Racing, you may wish to consider ARO's 2010 Jockey Development Programme which is aimed at helping aspring riders take the next step.  Visit www.aroracing.co.uk   to find out more, the closing date is 11th March. 
15/02/10
Former Pony Racing rider Grant Cockbrun rode his first Point-to-Point winner at the Jedforest Point-to-Point last weekend in the PPORA Novice Riders' race at Friarshaugh aboard Quinder Spring for Lucinda Russell. 
12/02/10
Congratulations to Pony Racing graduate David Pritchard who won his first race against professionals earlier this week aboard Bella Haze at Ludlow Racecourse.  David has previosuly ridden two Pony Racing winners on Flanders Field.
12/02/10
2009 Charles Owen Pony Racing Results

Please click here to see last season's results
23/01/10
The 2009 Rose Bengal Rider Award winners have secured the following placements in Trainer's Yard as part of their award.  Rachel Leyshon - Philip Hobbs, George Crate - Sir Mark Prescott and Alex French - Michael Bell.  Sadly, Jess Benfield has broken her knee cap and is unable to enjoy her placement that had been arranged for Nigel Twiston-Davies. 
19/01/10
Unfortunatley The Pentyrch Hunt at Bonvilston on 24th April 2010 will no longer be staging Pony Racing.
14/01/10
The YORKSHIRE AREA CLUB MEETING has been cancelled for the 2nd time - it will not be taking place on Sunday 24th January. However connections are looking to try and find another date. the website will be updated when details have been confirmed.