Pony Scurry Series

LOVERACING.NZ

Pony Scurry Series

The LOVERACING.NZ Pony Scurry Series is an exciting initiative aimed at introducing the next generation to the sport of thoroughbred racing.

The Series provides an opportunity for young riders to showcase their skills and compete in a fun and supportive environment, while also offering a hands-on experience in the racing industry, nurturing a love for horses and racing from an early age.

The Series continues to be a big hit among both pony enthusiasts and racing fans across the country.

Check out the 2026 Information Sheet here.

Registrations are now closed for 2026.

2026 SERIES

What a way to round out the 2026 LOVERACING.NZ Pony Scurry Series! 🤩

Our junior stars have been bringing their A-game all season long, with Ella Johnston (16) and her pony, Piaccos Return, coming out on top to take home the 14–16YO age group trophy for sponsor NZTR 🏆

Meanwhile, Cruze Du Plessis (13) and his pony, Rainbow Princess, claimed the 10–13YO age group trophy for sponsor Westbury Stud 👏

A big congratulations to all the riders and ponies on a fantastic season! 🎉

Thank you to Abderry Equine Services for sponsoring the Sportmanship Awards for each heat.

Abderry logo

2026 Series Winners

Junior Champion (10-13YO)

Cruze Du Plessis

Age: 13 Years Old

Pony: Rainbow Princess

Sponsor: Westbury Stud

Senior Champion (14-16YO)

Ella Johnston

Age: 16 Years Old

Pony: Piaccos Return

Sponsor: NZTR

Pony Scurry Participant & Trackwork Rider

Participant Spotlight: Lily Iremonger

Lily Iremonger has always had a passion for horses, but it wasn’t until she leased a pony off Waipukurau trainer Kirsty Lawrence that she extended that passion into racing.

Kirsty encouraged Lily to compete in a pony scurry and now the young rider is hooked, competing in the LOVERACING.NZ Pony Scurry series with big dreams of a career in the saddle.

Pony Scurry Participant

Participant Spotlight: Katie Bibby

Horses have always been a part of life for Katie Bibby, and an experience in the Ride For Time Series a couple of years ago kicked off a new passion in the racing industry.

With the guidance of Kate Hercock and Kirsty Lawrence, Katie got a taste of the thrill in the LOVERACING.NZ Pony Scurry Series & now has her sights firmly set on a career as a jockey.

Pony Scurry Participant & Trackwork Rider

Participant Spotlight: Tom Wigram

While most 14-year-olds spend their school holidays relaxing or catching up with friends, Tom Wigram was busy pursuing his dream of becoming a world-class jockey.

For Tom, now an apprentice jockey to trainer Donna Logan, the LOVERACING.NZ Pony Scurry Series provided an exciting opportunity to experience the thrill of racing down the home straight, just like his idol, James McDonald.

With a huge passion for racing, Tom progressed from the Pony Scurries to work experience with Shaun Phelan before being accepted into the Elite Jockey Programme and embarking on his career as an apprentice jockey.

Tom is already enjoying the rewards of his hard work, riding winners, and looking forward to plenty of exciting opportunities ahead.

Love horses?

Discover endless opportunities in the Thoroughbred industry. Find out more about the diverse career options, there’s a role for every passion in our vibrant industry.  Turn your love for horses into a dream career today.

Discover more