17/08/2026
A Statement regarding the unrecognized Pony Racing Fixture - Spooners Pony Racing Card / Pony Racing Gala, 5th September at Lamerton (PL19 8QS)
We are aware the Spooners Pony Racing Card / “Pony Racing Gala” has been advertised on various social media platforms.
Having discussed the situation with colleagues at the PRA, the chairperson of the Point-to-Point Secretaries Association (PPSA), the Pony Racing Representative sitting on that Committee (who also sits on the PtP Pony Racing Committee) and the Chief Executive of the Point-to-Point Authority (PPA), it was agreed there should be a follow up to the post circulated by the PRA on their social media platform in reaction to the advertisement of the event.
Until last Friday, we (the PRA / PtP Pony Racing Committee) were completely unaware of the event and that it was seemingly being linked to the banner of PtP Pony Racing, thus it became important to clarify the following.
We have over the past 20 years, created a safe and reliable structure for pony racing, working closely with the Pony Club, the Racing Schools, the PPA, the PPSA and numerous other bodies to put on a healthy fixture list both on licensed racecourses and at numerous PtP venues / fixtures, along with multiple events to encourage and include as many children and parents as possible to be able to have a go at pony racing. The safety and welfare of those taking part is paramount hence we have developed reliable means of qualification which provides a baseline on which children and their ponies can then race in what to the best of our ability will be a safe environment.
It’s been disappointing not have been in the loop earlier on such an initiative, that the Spooners Hunt has endeavoured to put on as it is very much the aim of the PRA and the PtP Pony Racing’s arm of the Authority to support and encourage additional opportunities for those who would like to have a go at racing their pony. However, where children are concerned any such initiative needs to be run within a recognised structure, under a recognised set of rules and with relevant requirements being met so all involved can be assured that to the best of everyone’s ability the safety, welfare, safe guarding and integrity of those taking part and running any such event are not in question and most importantly those taking part do so knowing the necessary safety aspects have been given due consideration.
Unfortunately, due to the timing and being unaware of the said event until recently, if run it will fall under the banner of “flapping” i.e. the races being run won’t be recognised by the PRA and as per the Authority’s Rules for Pony Racing which are:
16 (ii) Once registered with the PRA, ponies are not permitted to run in any race that is not recognised by the PRA
103 Any person who owns, trains, or rides a pony in any pony race not authorised by the PRA or any person who acts in an official capacity in the connection with such an authorised meeting may be declared a PRA disqualified person for a period of 12 months.
It’s disappointing there has been a need to circulate such a statement but it was deemed necessary considering the situation.
Going forward we hope those who would like to stage additional races will contact their local Area PtP representative in the first instance who can give guidance as to the best way to put them on. The Area representative on this occasion was non the wiser either.
Looking ahead, we are pleased to say the 2027 PtP Pony Racing applications are coming in, and we hope to have a draft list by the second week of September.
Pony Racing Authority
West Mercian Area Pony Racing
West Mercian Area Point to Point
Wessex Area
Devon and Cornwall Pony Racing
Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Area
Pony Racing West Wales
Pony Racing Scotland and North of England
Midlands Pointing
Sandhurst Area Point-to-Point
PPORA
GB Pointing
Pointing South Midlands
PRA Academies
South East Point to Point Racing
Nickie Sheppard
