Written by Richard Edmunds
Cover image courtesy of Thoroughbred Industry Careers
A hugely popular pony race at Doomben on Saturday morning has brought Thoroughbred Industry Careers CEO Lindy Maurice a step closer to her long-term vision.
Supported by Magic Millions to coincide with the launch of the annual The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions carnival, the inaugural event brought together a talented field of 10 riders aged between 8 and 13.
Lindy Maurice
They raced over 480 metre down the Doomben home straight, and the inaugural winner was 12-year-old Antonia Salmoni, riding her 12-year-old pony Lexi.
“We first drew up a plan for a pony race about three or four years ago now, and it’s something we’ve had on our agenda for quite a while,” Maurice told TDN AusNZ.
“We see it as another pathway for young people to get an experience of our sport and see the potential opportunities that might exist for them in the industry.
“We see it (pony race) as another pathway for young people to get an experience of our sport and see the potential opportunities that might exist for them in the industry." - Lindy Maurice
“It’s taken until now for it to happen. I had a conversation with Katie Page-Harvey (Magic Millions co-owner) about six months ago, then followed up with her and she said, ‘Let’s do it.’
“A few weeks ago, Magic Millions decided that they’d like to stage the first pony race to coincide with the launch of their carnival. It was a big job for everyone to pull it all together within the space of a few weeks, but it all came together and it couldn’t have gone any better.
“All of the silks were representing major stakeholders and people who have supported us in a big way, and we drew the silks and barriers the morning of the race.”
Maurice said the race was an unforgettable experience for the young riders and their families and friends.
“The feedback has been extraordinary,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of parents of the kids involved tell me that it was the best horse event they’ve ever been a part of. Photos and videos of the race have been shared among families and friends all around the world.
“We’d hoped the event would be popular and well-received, and I think the way it went today has really validated that.
“The feedback has been extraordinary. I’ve had a lot of parents of the kids involved tell me that it was the best horse event they’ve ever been a part of." - Lindy Maurice
“I’ve been on the phone non-stop since about 9 o’clock this morning, and everyone’s been abuzz about it.
“The winning rider, Antonia Salmoni, she’s a 12-year-old girl who loves her pony and loves riding. Her father was in tears after the race, having watched his daughter win a race at Doomben and seeing her on the big screen.
The jockeys of the pony race | Image courtesy of Thoroughbred Industry Careers
“I think it’s great that we were able to hold it on a major racetrack and on a big raceday. A lot of people only get to see these sorts of racetracks on TV, so it meant a lot for them to have the chance to be a part of it.”
Katie Page-Harvey said Magic Millions was proud to support the pony racing initiative.
“At the heart of everything at Magic Millions is the horse, and everyone connected with us are horse people,” she said. “It is an intrinsic part of our family life, which is why I am thrilled that Magic Millions, Thoroughbred Industry Careers and Pony Club Australia are staging the inaugural Magic Millions Pony Race today in Brisbane.
Katie Page-Harvey and Gerry Harvey | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
“Every footy code has kids run on the field ahead of the main game, or play at half-time. These young Queensland riders have their own national stage today in front of an adoring crowd. They will never forget the feeling – and neither will their parents!
“We have a huge responsibility to create pathways to develop sporting talent and create career opportunities so that the thoroughbred industry and all equine sports can continue to thrive in Australia.”
“We have a huge responsibility to create pathways to develop sporting talent and create career opportunities so that the thoroughbred industry and all equine sports can continue to thrive in Australia.” - Lindy Maurice
Maurice hopes Saturday’s highly successful launch will be the first in a long line of pony racing events all over Australia.
“In time, I’d love to see a pony race tacked on to every major raceday around the country,” she said. “That’s obviously going to take years, but that’s the goal that I’d love us to try to work towards.
“Most racing jurisdictions around the world hold pony racing events, and I think it’s important for us to do the same. It’s a great way to bring down the barriers and educate young people about the sport of horse racing.”
