The Irish racing community is coming together to support an auction that will aim to provide vital funds for the pony racing sector to pay off its insurance premium.

The new pony racing season stopped shortly after it began in early May due to a lack of adequate insurance cover.

After months of hounding insurance companies for a quote, the voluntary groups that organise the pony racing fixtures reached a deal with insurers and the sector returned to action at the famous Dingle Derby Festival two weeks ago.

The new premium is approximately €70,000, which represents a huge increase on pre-COVID levels, which were around €12,000 a year.

Horse Racing Ireland have stepped in to help, providing €30,000 for the deposit but now the voluntary groups, led by Antoinette Gallagher, are seeking help from stakeholders in the wider Irish racing industry to provide desirable lots for auction, with the money due to be paid in full in the coming weeks.

Last week, Gallagher said the initial feedback she got was phenomenal, with trainers, jockeys, studs, racecourses and stud farms offering various services and days out.

Pony racing has a long and rich tradition in Ireland and has produced some of our greatest jockeys. Colin Keane, Rachael Blackmore and Jack Kennedy are just some of the big names riding now that gained experience on the pony racing circuit as teenagers.