What Is Pony Racing? First Pony Race on British Champions Day

This Saturday, Oct 17, 2026, a group of young riders makes racing history at Ascot. The Qatar Racing Pony Racing Championship is the first pony race ever held on British Champions Day, with an 11:45 am off.

What is pony racing?

Pony racing is organised racing for young riders on ponies, a first step into race riding. In Britain it is run by the Pony Racing Authority (PRA), which describes it as a great grounding in riding technique and race-day routine.

The races are real races with stewards, a judge and a weigh-in. But they are built for learning, with safety rules and a strong focus on good riding.

The first pony race on British Champions Day

The British Champions Day pony race is for ponies 148cm and under. It is part of the Dragon TV & Film Racecourse Series 2026, which the PRA runs.

Here is what we know from the Racing Post preview (Oct 15) and the Champions Day announcement:

• When: Saturday Oct 17, 2026, off at 11:45 am
• Where: Ascot, over the straight mile
• Runners: about a dozen ponies (the Racing Post preview says 11, while the PRA entry list shows 12, the maximum, so the final field may change)
• Prize: the winning rider takes home a trophy to keep

Before the champion jockeys are presented, all the young riders will form a guard of honour. The first four home will also present trophies for the Qatar Racing Balmoral Handicap.

One pony in the line-up has a story. Annie R U OK is one of the older ponies in the field. The Racing Post says Billy Loughnane, who is set to be crowned champion Flat jockey on Saturday, won on her four times in his last pony racing season, 2022.

This race is upcoming, so we do not know the result yet. Watch for how calmly and neatly the young riders handle the big occasion.

Who can ride? Ages, rules and training

The PRA says its Taster Days are for children aged 6 to 16, and they are unmounted. That means no ponies are used, so it is a gentle way to find out what racing is about.

After that, riders move on to PRA/Pony Club training days, then to a first official race.

Age limits for the races themselves are set by the PRA each season. Under the 2024 regulations, riders in Racecourse Series races had to be 11 to 16, and Point-to-Point pony races took riders from 9 to 16. Those are last-published rules we could open, so please check the current ones on the PRA site.

Other rules from the 2024 regulations show the focus on fairness and safety:

• Riders must live in Great Britain and join the PRA as members (membership is annual).
• Riders must attend the official briefing and course walk.
• Riders cannot be paid for riding in pony races.
• Ponies must be microchipped and have a valid passport.
• Stallions and colts cannot run.

The PRA's chief executive told the Racing Post that riders usually have up to five years of riding experience before they start racing. So this is not a first-ever-ride sport.

Safety gear checklist

Safety comes first in pony racing. Under the 2024 PRA regulations, a rider cannot be on a pony at the venue without the right gear.

• Skull cap (helmet): it must meet an approved standard, fit correctly and be fastened at all times when mounted.
• Body protector: it must meet BETA 2018 Level 3.
• Replace after a knock: helmets are made for one big impact, so one that has had a hard bang, or been worn during a concussion, should be replaced.
• Proper boots: smooth soles with a clear heel, and stirrups that fit.
• Pony tack checks: only approved bits are allowed, and officials can ask for changes.

The regulations did not allow air jackets in pony races, so check this year's list before buying anything. For everyday riding tips, see our safety hub and horse safety for kids. Helmet advice is in when to replace a riding helmet.

From pony racing to professional jockey

Many top jockeys began in pony racing. The Racing Post names Billy Loughnane, the Bowen brothers and Harry Cobden as riders who built careers this way. The Champions Day announcement adds that Hollie Doyle, a four-time Champions Day winner, came up through Pony Club.

After pony racing, riders can move on to Point-to-Point or to the professional ranks. Our guide to the apprentice jockey route explains the next step.

It is a long road, and most pony racers simply enjoy it as a fun, skilled sport. That is a great outcome too.

How to get involved

Here is a simple path for families in Britain:

1. Build the basics. Take regular lessons or join a Pony Club branch. See what age kids can start riding.
2. Try a Taster Day. The PRA lists these for ages 6 to 16.
3. Go to a PRA/Pony Club training day. The PRA website lists qualification and training days across Britain.
4. Join the PRA and get approved gear before your first race.
5. Ride your first official race and enjoy the learning.

Parents should check costs on the PRA site, as we could not confirm current fees.

What to watch next

If you are watching on Saturday, look for these things:

• the guard of honour before the champion jockeys are presented
• how the riders keep their ponies balanced up the straight mile
• the trophy presentation for the Balmoral Handicap

The PRA also lists the Dragon TV & Film Racecourse Series Finals at Aintree on Oct 25. Outside Britain, families can look for local pony clubs and youth riding programmes. For more on the big day, read our British Champions Day 2026 guide, and explore Kids and Parents & Teachers.