THE Irish Pony Club will join forces with The Curragh Racecourse on day 1 of the inaugural Curragh Autumn Festival on Saturday, September 28th.

Now in its 10th year, the objective is to showcase horse racing to Pony Club members from all over Ireland and also for the Pony Club to celebrate the end of their busy summer season with a fun and exciting day for all the family to enjoy.

One of the most exciting aspects of the initiative is the Jockey Skills Training Course, which took place last weekend at the world renowned Racing Academy and Centre of Education in Kildare Town. The 10 Pony Club members who took part from across the country are:

• Seersha Watson, Bray Hunt Branch

• Rory O’Donnell, Scarteen Hunt Branch

• Lauren Hartley, Waterford Hunt Branch

• Holly Gleeson, NewcastleLyons Branch

• Jessica Stokes, Tipperary Hunt Branch

• Jack Lucey, Muskerry Hunt Branch

• David Russell, Scarteen Hunt Branch

• Alexandra Egan, Kildare Hunt Branch

• Ted O’Leary, Westmeath Hunt Branch

• Rachel D’Arcy, Shillelagh and District Hunt Branch

All participants were assessed over the weekend by the team at RACE and will all receive presentations on the race day. The overall winner will receive the Jockeys’ Skills Perpetual Trophy. They will also take part in the exhibition race on the famous Curragh racetrack following the last race at 5.30pm with the rider judged to be the most stylish winning a prize sponsored by the Curragh Racecourse.

Entertainment for all the family to enjoy during the afternoon will also feature the winning National Musical Ride team from County Clare who will perform on the track between races.

The high quality programme of eight races kicks off with the first race at 1.25pm. See curragh.ie for tickets. Under 18s go free when accompanied by an adult.