If you want all the excitement and thrills of a day at the races but in miniature, then be sure to get a ringside seat for the ever-popular Shetland Pony Grand National. Always hotly contested, the ‘national’ sees the riders take part in a series of races over steeplechase fences, just like those on a racecourse. All the riders are aged between nine and 14-years old and must be under 5ft in height.

These brave participants are competing for one of the 11 places at the final, which takes place at The London International Horse Show at Olympia in December. You are sure to be wowed by the speed and courage of these ponies, not to mention the highly competitive jockeys.
The Shetland Grand National returns to the Palace Arena on Saturday 20th September at 10:00am and Sunday 21st September at 12:30pm. Don’t miss the excitement of these speedy Shetlands in action! You can also catch them on the Chat Stage across both days – check the full schedule here.

Sponsors & Partners 2025