Pony Racing is a great taster for what the Horseracing Industry in general has to offer and many young riders are getting hooked by the thrill of competing at racetracks across the country.

One such promising rider, Peter Hatton is a notable example. We caught up with Peter as he came to the end of his nine-week course at the British Racing School where he was Head Lad to course 209.

Peter Hatton

Peter did not sit on a pony until the age of 13 but took to it like someone who has been around horses all his life and not the dairy cows on the family farm! He soon progressed from showjumping to competing his pony in Point-To-Point Pony Races before attending the Pony Race Training Days at the British Racing School. He moved effortlessly through the different levels of tuition but gained a great deal from the courses as he had had little formal tuition until then. " I learnt a lot about balance and position and different tactics and methods of riding a race. The video reviews were very useful and I soon put them to good use, winning at Musselburgh and qualifying for the finals at Aintree two years running".

Peter is hooked on the sport and would recommend it to anyone - " I would encourage anyone to give Pony Racing and a training day a go, they will be missing out on the thrill of competing in a race and you won't experience anything like it".

Upon leaving School Peter was so impressed with the facilities and tuition at the British Racing School he applied for the Apprenticeship and NVQ2 in Racehorse Care and is nearing the end of his nine-week course. Graduates are guaranteed a job in the industry in paid employment where they complete their NVQ2. Peter has big plans for the future and is hoping to join Michael Mullineaux with a view to taking out a Conditional Licence as soon as possible as well as riding regularly in Point-To-Points. His ambition is to be one of the youngest to compete in the Grand National. "The School has really helped me to become an all round employee and not just a rider and prepared me for my first full-time job. The work on the 7f straight gallop has really improved my control of a horse".

We wish Peter well for the season and years ahead. If you have any queries about forthcoming Pony Race training days please call Sarah Hayde at the British Racing School on 01638 675906.