Shetland ponies set for big return to Exeter Racecourse this Sunday
The Shetland ponies return to Exeter Racecourse this Sunday, with 11 of the smallest and toughest racers in the sport set to thunder down the home straight at 1.30pm.
Trained by John Lamb alongside his mother Nikki Marsden, the team travels down from Enfield in North London on Saturday, in what is a carefully planned operation involving ponies, riders and families.
They stay with former Grand National-winning jockey Jimmy Frost near Buckfastleigh, where the ponies are settled ahead of race day.
“We leave at 6.30am on Saturday to avoid the M25 and get down to Jimmy’s for lunchtime so the ponies can have a proper break and a leg stretch,” said John.
“We’re very lucky. Jimmy looks after us incredibly well and he’s brilliant with the children. Mum stays on site with one of the parents in a camper van, and the rest of us stay nearby. All the parents come along. It’s a big operation to get everyone there.”
The trip has become a highlight for the young riders. “The kids absolutely love it. We came back last summer for three days, riding across the moors, down to the river and going to a local gallops. It’s a real experience for them,” said John.
This year’s race promises to be as competitive as ever. Returning to defend his title is Arlo of Auckhorn, who will be ridden by 11-year-old Sophia Hills this time, with last year’s winning jockey Maisie Ward, also 11, opting to ride Orknies Gold, who recently finished a close second at Lingfield and looks set to run another big race.
Last year’s runner-up Luna Larrson returns as well, having finished strongly twelve months ago. Among the potential challengers are a few underdogs who could make an impression. Seagfried Norrie, better known as a jumps pony, steps onto the flat for a rare appearance.
“He’s probably the classiest pony over jumps, but the flat is a different test, so it’ll be interesting to see how he gets on,” John said.
Orknies of Siegfried, ridden by Isabella Oliver, arrives after a strong run at Lingfield over two furlongs at a higher grade.
“He ran a great race staying on over two furlongs two grades higher,” John explained. “The only thing is he does like a bit of rain and cold weather. In the summer I can’t get him to place at all, but he loves the winter.”
Shetland ponies, one of the oldest and purest breeds in the world, date back over 2000 years. Bred in the tough landscapes of the Shetland and Orkney Isles, they are known for their strength, resilience and unmistakable character.
Jack Parkinson, General Manager at Exeter Racecourse, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Shetland ponies back to Exeter for what promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family. They’re full of character and always a crowd favourite. Combined with our carnival atmosphere and exciting racing, it’s going to be a day to remember.”
After the Shetland pony race, the children’s running races take place at 2pm before the main card gets underway. There’s plenty of free entertainment, including soft play, arts and crafts, skittles, hobby horses and a discovery tour around the course. The whole day is sponsored by Guildhall Shopping Exeter. Find out more at thejockeyclub.co.uk/exeter/events-tickets/family-raceday/
Pictured: Shetland ponies set for big return to Exeter Racecourse this Sunday by Francheska Altoft.
