Jockeys learn trade in world's most adorable horse race

By Amit Nathwani

Updated 1116 GMT (1916 HKT) October 22, 2015

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Is this the world's most adorable horse race? The annual Shetland Pony Gold Cup sees children take to the saddle. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

Held at the Plumpton Racecourse in Sussex, England, 16 young jockeys gallop down the home straight in front of thousands of fans. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

For many of the riders, it was their first experience of competing at a professional course. The youngsters march into the Shetland Grand National in December, the season's finale, hoping to go out on a high. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

Fourteen-year-old Bradley Kent (in orange sleeves) passed the post first on Bugsey, his second win at the event after heading the pack in 2012. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

Kent could be a jockey prospect worth keeping an eye on. The victory was the 20th of his fledgling career. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

The event, which has been running since 2009, raised $97,000 for a charity which rehomes and rehabilitates former racehorses. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

They may be small but Shetland ponies are mighty. Despite standing no taller than three and a half feet, they are known for their strength. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images