Two young drivers are readying for their first race days as Pony Trots Victoria gets set to return to racing.

After a long covid-enforced lay-off, the much-loved racing for those aged six to 16 will return with a bang with two races at both Tabcorp Park Melton on Saturday and Shepparton on Sunday.

Among the 14 drivers who will compete across the weekend are Lenny Cole and Katie Thomson, who will make their raceday debuts.

Lenny and his experienced pony Sharky will compete at Melton on Saturday night, with the field of seven to step out after races two (6pm) and three (6.35pm) on the 10-race card, which will be streamed live and free on www.TrotsVision.com.au.

The bright lights of TrotsVision will also capture Sunday’s race day at Shepparton, which is the important Pacing for Pink afternoon in aid of the McGrath Foundation. Katie and her pony Shotgun Willy will be among the six participants.

There will also be a senior driver pony race at Shepparton, with all ponies available to be auctioned to race.

Harness Racing Victoria workforce development manager Jenni Lewis said it would be terrific to have the pony trots back on track.

“It’s been a long break but it’s great to see the drivers return with their ponies,” Lewis said.

“We’ve had extremely successful training days in the lead up to each race meeting and I’m looking forward to it kicking off a big month of racing.”

Pony trots are also scheduled for a training day at Ballarat on May 14 and race nights at Cranbourne on May 15, Shepparton on May 18, Ararat on May 22, Shepparton on May 25, Melton on June 4, Shepparton on June 12 and Warragul on June 13.

Pony Trots Victoria will then have a winter break before rebooting in September. To get involved email ponytrotsvic@hrv.org.au.

Hygain Pony Trot fields
 

Tabcorp Park Melton, Saturday
Race 1 – 6.05pm
Race 2 – 6.40pm
1: Madison Fraser and pony Elliot, 400 metres
2: Hunter Leedham and pony Barney, 400 metres
3: Cohen Tindale and pony Buddy Major, 420 metres
4: Daniel Loftus and pony Down Under Mischief, 440 metres
5: Lenny Cole and pony Sharky, 450 metres
6: Riley Pace and pony Where’s Wally, 450 metres
7: Bella Mason and pony Blaze, 460 metres

Shepparton Pacing for Pink, Sunday
1: Ajay Barker and pony Magpie Fever, 300 metres
2: Katie Thomson and pony Shotgun Willy, 420 metres
3: Bronte Lee and pony JB Sparkle, 450 metres
4: Sophie Towers and pony Devil Dodger, 450 metres
5: Amelia Walliss and pony Lightning Jack, 460 metres
6: Bodhi Lee and pony Soul, 480 metres