Pony tales could prove a success story during our subdued summer schedule

Why don't we embrace the talent in our teens on the pony racing circuit, rather than distancing ourselves from it? It's about time we started a summer series to showcase our future stars.

Pony racing is beyond the pale with the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, but I cannot understand why. You have to remember the vast majority of our greatest jockeys took the pony racing path – Nina Carberry, Barry Geraghty, Jack Kennedy, Pat Smullen, Mick Kinane, even Tommy Carmody. I could go on and on.

Many of our midweek meetings through the summer are deserted. They need an injection of atmosphere. Perhaps a pony racing series featuring young teens aged between 13 and 16 over an eight-week period would be the boost these low-key fixtures need.