The future of the National Pony Racing Series in Australia is now in the hands of the Principal Racing Authorities after the organisation behind the successful series and a raft of other industry educational initiatives, Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC), closed down.
Founder Lindy Maurice, who has driven TIC for the past seven years, has opted not to continue with its operation, after battling funding and political challenges since 2018.
While TIC had strong financial support from a host of thoroughbred industry figures, it failed to get the desired support from racing bodies, notably in its home state of New South Wales.
Originally founded to help address workforce shortages in the Australian thoroughbred industry, TIC ran two national residential training programs - the explorer and accelerator courses - that had more than 110 students enrolled, 90 per cent which went on to work in the industry on an ongoing basis.
But the closure of the equine section of NSW’s Richmond TAFE in 2022 forced those programs to cease and while there had been hopes that a new base at Scone could be found, that option has not materialised.
The National Pony Racing Series has been the most public of the TIC initiatives and has enjoyed significant exposure across major racedays over the past two years, after a series of successful exhibition races.
All six states participated in the series, with a grand final held on the Gold Coast in June.
Pony racing is designed to highlight talented riders aged nine to 14 who are currently involved in pony clubs.
But it will now be down to the individual states to continue the series, with TIC handing over the intellectual property for Pony Club racing. Maurice says Racing Victoria, Tasracing and Racing SA are already collaborating on continuing the concept.
“We are immensely proud of what has been achieved in a relatively short time,” Maurice said of her work with TIC.
“The achievements of our graduates, the enthusiasm around pony racing, and the awareness generated around careers in our industry are lasting contributions we hope will continue to grow under the stewardship of others.”
“I feel proud that in an industry which can often be fragmented, we have managed to deliver programs that have engaged young people from all corners of Australia.”
