Jockeys learn trade in world’s most adorable horse race
By Amit Nathwani
Updated
7:16 AM EDT, Thu October 22, 2015
Link Copied!
Is this the world's most adorable horse race? The annual Shetland Pony Gold Cup sees children take to the saddle.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Held at the Plumpton Racecourse in Sussex, England, 16 young jockeys gallop down the home straight in front of thousands of fans.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
For many of the riders, it was their first experience of competing at a professional course. The youngsters march into the Shetland Grand National in December, the season's finale, hoping to go out on a high.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Fourteen-year-old Bradley Kent (in orange sleeves) passed the post first on Bugsey, his second win at the event after heading the pack in 2012.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Kent could be a jockey prospect worth keeping an eye on. The victory was the 20th of his fledgling career.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The event, which has been running since 2009, raised $97,000 for a charity which rehomes and rehabilitates former racehorses.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
They may be small but Shetland ponies are mighty. Despite standing no taller than three and a half feet, they are known for their strength.