The youngsters saddled up hobby horses for a morning of racing activities as part of an initiative designed to encourage people to attend Saturday’s Marong Cup race day at the Bendigo Jockey Club.

The popular race meet is a fundraiser for Bendigo’s eight Catholic primary schools.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Marong Cup representative Rebecca Allan said last year’s event raised about $40,000.

“The Marong Cup has been held for many, many years and it’s always a great day out for everyone,” she said.

“There will be bands and plenty of kids entertainment so it really is aimed at the whole family.”

Ms Allan manned the starting gate at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School’s mock horse racing event yesterday morning.

Students straddled hobby horses and sprinted to the finish line.

There were a few stumbles and a couple of horses ran off the track, but the crowd roared as the field of thoroughbreds sped around the course.

“It was all to get people talking about the Marong Cup,” Ms Allan said.

“People can by tickets at the gate, it’s $15 for adults and children under 16 are free.

“The gate opens at 11am.”