Ride To Time 2025
Ward Claims Open Championship at Ride to Time State Finals
Moonee Valley hosts Victorian Pony Club's premier timing discipline
The Ride to Time 2025 State Championship concluded at Moonee Valley Racecourse on September 6th, with riders from across Victoria's Pony Club zones demonstrating exceptional horsemanship and timing precision in this challenging discipline.
Open Division - Target Time 1:49.00
Amanda Ward from Benalla Pony Club (North Eastern Zone) delivered a masterclass performance aboard Bedrock Smokin Hot, achieving the exact target time of 1:49.00 to claim the Open Championship. Her flawless execution under pressure exemplified the discipline and partnership that defines successful Ride to Time competitors.
"This result showcases the quality of training and preparation that characterizes our North Eastern Zone," reflecting the strength of Victorian Pony Club's development pathways.
Charlotte Stewart (Charlton PC, Midland Zone) secured Reserve Champion honours riding Pheonix with a time of 2:00.75, demonstrating consistent pacing throughout the course. Third place went to Melia Sellings (Toongabbie PC, East Gippsland Zone) aboard Autumn, recording 1:57.97.
The field included several off-the-track thoroughbreds, highlighting Pony Club's important role in retraining programs. Notable performances included Ella Brown's Captain Jack Sparrow (OTT) from Mount Duneed PC and Zoe Addinsall's Francagino (OTT) representing Dunkeld PC in the Wannon Zone.
Maiden Division - Target Time 2:00.00
The Maiden Championship was claimed by Paige Rewuk (Mornington Peninsula PC, South Metro Zone) riding Dixie (OTT), who stopped the clock at 1:59.40 - an outstanding result that was 0.60 seconds inside the optimum time.
Gypsy Rohde from Rosedale PC (East Gippsland Zone) earned Reserve Champion with Hazelwood Quizzical (1:49.75), while Bonnie Kearney (Lilydale & Mooroolbark PC, North Metro Zone) placed third aboard Lucky Husson (OTT) with 1:49.94.
A dead heat situation arose between Charlotte Evans (Mandurang South PC, Midland Zone) and Harrison Brennan (Woodlands PC, Central Zone), both recording identical times of 1:45.97. Following Pony Club competition rules, their state qualifying times were used as the deciding factor, with Evans awarded seventh place and Brennan eighth.
Championship Recognition
Best Presented awards were presented in both Open and Maiden divisions, recognizing the turnout standards that remain fundamental to Pony Club tradition and values.
The championship attracted a quality field representing nine zones across Victoria, from established combinations to emerging partnerships making their State Championship debuts. The presence of numerous retrained thoroughbreds demonstrated Pony Club's commitment to horse welfare and the successful transition of ex-racehorses into sporting disciplines.
Ride to Time continues to grow as a flagship discipline within Victorian Pony Club, testing the partnership between horse and rider while developing the timing, pacing and tactical skills essential across all equestrian sports. The precision required in this discipline translates directly to improved performance in other Pony Club activities, from cross-country phases to show jumping courses.
The 2025 State Championship at Moonee Valley Racecourse reinforced why this discipline attracts such dedicated participation, combining the tactical elements of race riding with the horsemanship principles central to Pony Club education.