2026 Trials Day - All You Need to Know

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TRIALS DAY

Our 2026 Trials Day will be held at Keysoe International on Sunday 29th March starting at 9.00 am (registration).  

It is important to pre-register so we can organise the day.  Please see link and details below for information on how to register.  Please note the deadline for pre-registering is 6.00 pm on Sunday 22nd March 2026

Please bring your pony's passport & Jockey's passport with you to Trials Day  - without these we will be unable to register you.  Please keep an eye out on our social media pages for any updates and ensure you have familiarised yourself with our Rule Book.

For the criteria for joining us as a jockey, please refer to the 'How to Join' page on our website https://shetlandponygrandnational.co.uk/how-to-join

We look forward to seeing you on 29th March 2026

The SPGN Management Team

• Please ensure you pre-register by 6.00 pm on Sunday 22nd March 2026
• Please complete the following registration for both pony & jockey (please note you will need your jockeys passport details & your pony's passport details to complete the registration)
• Fee is £70 before pre-registration deadline.  No late registrations or  'on the day registrations' will be accepted.

• On arrival, please leave your pony in your horsebox -DO NOT UNLOAD.

• You will need to complete the registration process of your jockey & pony with the Shetland Pony Grand National Management Team.  

• You will need £70.00 cash/card for payment at the Trials Day for anyone who registered before the 6pm on 22nd March deadline. 

• Jockeys are required to show their original passport or birth certificate at registration.  

• Please bring your pony's passport (it is a legal requirement to travel your pony with its passport) to show at registration

• Jockeys will be measured as they must measure under 5 foot.  If your jockey is deemed to be 'just under' 5 ft, the SPGN management may decide that they will not be included in the trials day as they are likely to have grown too tall by the time they come to race.  There will be further height checks at shows throughout the season. 

• Ponies will be measured at Trials Day as they must measure between 38 and 42 inches.  If your pony is deemed to be outside of these measurements, you will not be able to complete trials day.  A JMB height certificate produced at Trials Day will be deemed acceptable.

• Sweatshirts and t-shirts will be available to order at the trials day - we will have some stock with us but we may not have all sizes available.  Please note that our leaders uniform which comprises of an SPGN branded sweatshirt and T-shirt is compulsory for anyone leading up this year..  Anyone without the correct uniform will not be allowed in the ring.  Please note that no spares will be carried by SPGN management.

• Jockeys will need jodphurs, riding boots, skull cap (no fixed peaked hats) and body protector. You will not be required to wear jockey silks at the trials day. No whips or spurs are allowed at any time when racing with SPGN including the Trials day.  You will be advised of jockey clothing that you will require for racing at the trials day

• Ponies will need a bridle, saddle, girth, safety (Peacock) stirrups, over girth.  You will be advised the full list of tack required for racing at the trials day 

• Young children/pushchairs will not be allowed in the collecting ring 

• No ponies are to be tied up to the outside of any trailer/horsebox

• Please ensure you bring hay for your ponies as it is a long day for them.

• The Cafe at Keysoe will be open for the trials day.

• Overnight stabling is available at Keysoe - please contact Keysoe directly to book.

• Please do not be afraid to ask questions at any point at the trials day.  There are lots of people who will be happy to help you and to answer any questions you may have.