Talented young riders and their ponies are invited to showcase their Pony Racing skills in two high profile events: the first, a Pony Club Race Day to be held at Towcester Racecourse in Northamptonshire, on Saturday 30th June; and the second, an evening of Pony Races to be held at Barbury Castle Horse Trials near Marlborough, Wiltshire, on Saturday 7th July. There the lucky jockeys will be racing on the wonderful turf of the old Marlborough Cup course on the Barbury Castle Estate.

The races which are open to any Pony Club Member (subject to age) who may be complete novices at racing or may have some considerable experience. At Towcester youngsters can enter one or more of the six races, which are set to be run over between six and eight furlongs. Those interested in competing should send an A5 SAE to: Mrs Tik Saunders, Teeton Grange Farm, Teeton, Northants. NN6 8LW; Telephone: 01604 505739 or email: lucy_goose@hotmail.co.uk, and entries close promptly on Wednesday 20th June.

The Barbury Castle event will feature four races, which are set to be run over between six and 12 furlongs. Those interested should send an A5 SAE to: Mrs R Fuller, Penwood Grange, Penwood, Newbury, Berkshire. RG20 9EW; Telephone: 01635 250658, and entries close at 8pm on Saturday 30th June.

Pony Racing is a relatively new discipline within The Pony Club; it is entirely for amateur riders and is open to all Pony Club Members. Its aims are simply to encourage youngsters to try the discipline of racing, and to identify outstanding talent.