Shetland Pony Grand National
The Shetland Pony Grand National is a team of Shetland Ponies and jockeys that race all over the country and abroad and at the same time raise money for charity. Shetland Pony Grand National was started by the late Raymond Brooks-Ward 44 years ago to bring on young jockeys for the future.
All the Children taking part in Shetland Pony Grand National have to be 8 – 14 years old and must be less than 5ft in height and all the ponies that take part have to be registered with Shetland Pony Stud Book.
Shetland Pony Grand National supports Bob Champion Cancer Trust and all the money raised will be going to cancer research and supporting the two Laboratories who are pioneering cancer research.
Bob Champion, for those can remember, overcame cancer and then went on to win the Grand National on the great Aldaniti in 1981, which was a massive achievement. Shortly after winning the race Bob formed the Bob Champion Cancer Trust and so far, he has raised over 17 million pounds for cancer research.
In 2024 the Shetland Pony Grand National team raised £42,240 and so far, the total amount raised for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust is in excess over £240,000.
Shetland Pony Grand National showcase event is the world famous The London International Horse Show which takes place at the Excel Arena just before Christmas where 10 jockeys and ponies will perform.
In June 2023, a team of 10 ponies and jockeys were asked to represent the UK at the world famous CHIO Aachen International Horse Show in Germany together with the Household Cavalry.
In February 2025 a team of 8 ponies and Jockey flew to Hong Kong to race at the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show which was an amazing experience for the young jockeys and ponies.
In November this year the Jockeys and Ponies will be travelling to the Czech Republic to perform at the Longines Global Tour Final at the 02 arena in Prague.
The Shetland Pony Grand National is a great introduction for the children who want to make a career in racing or become a professional or amateur jockey.
A number of professional Jockeys such as Sam and Willy Twiston-Davis, Tom Garner, Freddie and Jack Mitchell, Safie Osbourne, Freddie Keighley and Olive Nicholls have all started their careers with the Shetland Pony Grand National. Our highest acclaimed jockey to date is Jim Crowley who was crowned Champion Flat Jockey in 2016.
The Jockeys who started their racing careers in the Shetland Pony Grand National have between them won over 8000 races.
