WE were again present at Dingle Races with a stand and simulator to help make connections with the young riders there and to support pony racing in this way. Colm Sayers and the committee do a wonderful job and it’s an association we hope continues to flourish for many years. Paddy Flood did a track walk before the first race on Saturday – a circuit he knows well as he rode many winners around it. This was well received by the young jockeys and though it wasn’t mandatory, many of them joined Paddy for the walk.

Going forward we hope to make some changes for the RACE marquee at next year’s Dingle Races, to help the riders to excel. It was positive to see the simulator get so much use, from young racing fans (as young as three) to the top horse and pony racing riders, who used it as a tool to warm up for their races. It was obvious that there is still some good talent progressing through the pony racing ranks and we want to continue to support these young riders and offer them, particularly those who aspire to becoming licensed jockeys, the professional support which will help them make the transition to a sustainable career in the saddle.