RV support ensures emerging riders have their time to shine

Racing Victoria (RV) is proud to continue its support of young riders and grassroots equestrian sport through two events this spring – the Pony Club Australia National Championships and the Pony Club Victoria Ride To Time State Final.

Ride To Time Final at Moonee Valley

A total of six Off The Track horses were in action at the annual Ride To Time State Final, which took place during the Moir Stakes meeting at The Valley on Saturday, 6 September. 

The Ride to Time program teaches riders the skill of judging pace and develops their horsemanship, with the 20 state finalists completing their timed rides in front of a healthy raceday crowd.

Dixie, who raced as Feel The Need, claimed the Maiden category under her young rider Paige Rewuk, a member of the Mornington Peninsula Pony Club. Having won the South Metro Zone qualifier, the pair duly claimed the state final with a winning time of 1.59.40 – just 0.6 seconds outside the designated time of 2 minutes. 

Benalla Pony Club member Amanda Ward and her mount Bedrock Smokin Hot produced a remarkable performance in the Open category, finishing precisely on the designated time of 1.49.00. Rosedale Pony Club member Gypsy Rohde finished second with a time of 1.49.75, whilst Bonnie Kearney of Lilydale Pony Club finished third aboard Lucky Husson, a 13-year-old mare who previously raced for Warrnambool trainer Dan Bowman.   

By supporting the Ride To Time qualifiers and final, RV is helping to inspire the next generation of equestrian and racing participants while continuing to champion the welfare and versatility of thoroughbreds. 

Pony Club Nationals – Rider’s Retreat

RV has also lent its support of next month’s Pony Club Australia (PCA) National Championships by sponsoring the ‘Rider’s Retreat’ across the five days of the flagship event on the PCA calendar.

From 1–5 October, Pony Club members from every state in Australia will descend on the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre to compete in the National Championships to showcase the skill and dedication of some of the country’s best young riders across multiple disciplines.

The Rider’s Retreat is a central hub where competitors can take a break, connect with friends and enjoy activities throughout the week. The retreat also provides an opportunity for RV to share information with the young riders on the industry’s wide range of equine welfare initiatives, as well as detailing the numerous pathways into the racing industry.