Racecourse Series
The Racecourse Series is our top level of Pony Racing and often a stepping stone for future professional Jockeys.
Aiming to take part this year? Please fill out this short form:
Sign up for information on Advanced Training Days
To find out more about our NEW Advanced Training Days, specifically designed for Jockeys aiming to take part or who have previously ridden in the Racecourse Series. Form will close on Friday 10th March.
Taking place on a racecourse before or after professional racing, two races are staged each time with ponies and riders having qualified to compete.
Fast, furious and competitive, Racecourse Series Pony Races can easily be mistaken for being “the real thing.” They normally take place between April and October with points accumulated for the finals, the pinnacle of the Pony Racing season.
The whole experience mirrors professional racing to give those involved an insight and understanding as to how the professional sport operates. The PRA steward and BHA Jockey Coach oversee the pony races on the day alongside the BHA Starter, Judge and Clerk of the Scales.
The Racecourse Series is the showcase for the sport.
Each race has a Best Turned Out and the Racecourse Series has a Riders’ Championship and Leading Pony Awards.
In addition, we have the Rose Bengal Scholarship Awards. These are awarded to the rider in each category who the PRA Steward and BHA Jockey Coach believe to have improved the most throughout the series.
JMB MEASUREMENTS - PLEASE NOTE JMB CERTIFICATES ARE NOW ROLLING AND YOU MAY REMEASURE FOR THE NEW SEASON NO EARLIER THAN 28DAYS BEFORE THE DATE YOUR PONIES JMB CERTIFICATE EXPIRES.
There will be no AW Winter Series for 2025. Typically for entry the AW Winter Series pony races is for riders who have competed in the previous summer Racecourse Series. Typically, 1 pony race is held at each fixture for 148 cm ponies.
To view the 2025 Dragon TV&Film Racecourse Series Fixture List please click here;
The Racecourse Series Handicap System
All ponies participating in the Racecourse Series will be Graded. This grading will be based on previous Racecourse Series form (including the winter series) and will take into account Point-to-Point Pony racing form but will not rely exclusively on this.
2025 GRADING SYSTEM AND PENALTIES
The 2025 season will see will introduction a “F” Grade for ponies in both 138cm and 148cm races. Grades and weights as below;
|
138cm |
148cm |
|||
|
Grade |
Weight |
Grade |
Weight |
|
|
A*+3 pen |
9-7 |
A*+3 pen |
10-11 |
|
|
A*+2 pen |
9-4 |
A*+2 pen |
10-8 |
|
|
A*+1 pen |
9-1 |
A*+1 pen |
10-4 |
|
|
A* |
8-12 |
A* |
10-0 |
|
|
A |
8-8 |
A |
9-9 |
|
|
B |
8-4 |
B |
9-4 |
|
|
C |
8-0 |
C |
8-13 |
|
|
D |
7-10 |
D |
8-8 |
|
|
E |
7-6 |
E |
8-3 |
|
|
F |
7-2 |
F |
8-0 |
|
PENALTIES
Penalties for 138cm ponies will rise in 3lbs to a maximum of 3 wins, meaning the maximum weight to be carried would be 9st 7lbs.
Penalties for 148cm ponies will rise as 4lbs for the first penalty, an additional 4lbs for the second and the third penalty will be a rise of 3lbs, meaning the maximum weight carried would be 10st 11lbs.
First season ponies will start the season in Grade A. The PRA will revisit the grading of ponies during the season at their discretion.
See below for Current Pony Gradings.
Any owner wishing to challenge their pony’s grading must do so in writing to the PRA Chief Executive by emailing lucinda@ponyracingauthority.co.uk - This will then be reviewed by the PRA’s Chief Handicapper, Phil Smith, and the PRA Board.
The reason for the handicap system is to give all ponies and riders a fairer chance and therefore make pony races more competitive, improving participation and thereby the spectacle.
