Family ties add extra interest to series final at York

Many racegoers will have come across the Charles Owen-backed Pony Race Series through the course of the summer, with races generally taking place before the thoroughbreds strut their stuff.

York today will host the finals of the series, which will include a family feel as siblings Poppy and Luke Scott go for victory in the 138cm and 148cm divisions respectively.

Their parents, Patrick and Julie Scott, have an even deeper connection to the series than their progeny. At their Apple Tree Stud in Banbury, they have put more than 20 children through the Youth Training Scheme, a 12-week course designed for children who cannot take part in pony racing because of financial or other circumstances.