Racing under the colours of sponsors Ridgmont Stud of NSW, Lilli was a spectacular sight in blue silks, yellow sleeves and cap when she and Honey gave it their all in an impressive display of horsemanship.
Racing over a distance of 700m at the Victorian State qualifying race day, the event was held on Saturday, March 22.
The Series is conducted in two categories, small, and large.
Small caters for young riders on small ponies not exceeding 12.2-hands over a distance of 450m, and Large is for older riders on larger ponies up to 14-hands over 700m.
The structure enables a fair and competitive riding competition for all competitors.
Young hopefuls represented pony clubs from throughout Victoria, including Sale, Bendigo, Woodlands, Bairnsdale, Rochester, Macedon, Hastings and Benalla. The National Series features six race meetings around Australia, culminating in the grand final on the Gold Coast in early June.
The Victorian section of the series began with a jump start day, followed by a training day. Then the state qualifying race day at Moonee Valley, which Lilli and Honey won convincingly, and which has qualified her for the grand-final and a chance at the title.
Ten riders in each of the two categories will get to wear the racing colours of some of Australia’s most famous names, including Ciaron Maher, Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Ridgmont Stud, Inglis, Gai Waterhouse, Ramvet and Seymour Bloodstock, to name just a few.
Lilli has been around horses all of her life, with mum Shilleagh a registered trainer and owner of Meyer Vale Racing in Berrigan. While dad Bradley Vale is a popular, well recognised, local jockey. She has the same passion and respect for horses as mum and dad and recently qualified for her ticket to ride track work, which she loves.
“Dad has always said, ‘I know you have always wanted to be a jockey, but it is a hard game’, which I totally understand, but it’s what I really want to do,” Lilli said.
She is a very determined young woman who has set her sight on a future she is prepared to work hard to achieve.
Lilli has progressed her talents since becoming a member of the Benalla Pony Club 12 months ago, and last year won the state horse trials - eventing grade-4 for pony clubs.
Her everyday environment, when not attending Finley High School, is about horses and their welfare, and the 16-year-old can’t imagine any other career.
Currently in Year 10, Lilli will continue her schooling until she completes VCE, after which she is hopeful the world of racing will open up for her.
While Lilli knows her way around a training stable thanks to strong guidance from her parents, she would like to gain work experience and undertake track work for a notable trainer who will oversee her jockey apprenticeship.
“I have always had the dream to be a jockey and if I should win the pony racing grand-final at the Gold Coast in June it would open doors for me to continue to grow and learn, she said.
It would get my name out there, and hopefully, I would have an opportunity to gain some amazing skills and knowledge from some of the top trainers and owners and meet other jockeys who have had a similar experience.“
Meanwhile, it’s school during the week. After school and at weekends is helping with the family’s business.
Generally, there are six horses in work at one time, as well as four to five ponies.
While it is a relatively small racing facility, it’s a family concern and there is a job for each member of the family.
Does Lilli have a favourite horse that she often rides at home?
“Yes, it’s Tubby, and we race him, she said.
“He is such a good boy and I love to take him out on the track.”
