150 primary school children go behind-the scenes at Horse Racing Ireland’s juniors education day at Downpatrick Racecourse
Downpatrick Racecourse hosted 150 primary school children on an educational visit on Wednesday June 4 as the County Down racecourse is gearing up for their two-day meeting on Saturday and Sunday June 14 and 15.
School children from St Macartan’s Primary School Loughinisland, Annsborough Integrated Primary School, Killyleagh Integrated Primary School, St Brigid’s PS Downpatrick, St Patrick’s Legamaddy, Cumran PS Clough, and St Mary’s PS Killyleagh took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day
The 150 children from the seven local schools got to go behind the scenes and kicked off the visit meeting racehorse trainer Paddy Turley, whose yard is based adjacent to the racecourse.
Paddy introduced the students to one of his racehorses and explained what his job entails as a racehorse trainer as well as a typical day-to-day routine for his racehorses, their exercise schedule and diet, and how he prepares them to run in a race.
Track preparation was the focus of a session with Head Groundsman Fintan Ward and his team Gerard Boyle and Joe Quinn, who demonstrated the machinery and techniques used to maintain the racetrack. Pupils also got a close-up look at fences and hurdles before testing their own speed with a sprint up the home straight.
Staff from The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Enniskillen were on site with a racehorse simulator, giving students a thrilling virtual riding experience. Meanwhile, farrier Rory Lavery gave a demonstration on caring for racehorses’ hooves and the specialist tools involved in his work.
The tour continued with a visit to the weigh room led by former trainer and Downpatrick Racecourse Director Noel Chance, alongside Racecourse Manager Ruth Morrison. Pupils explored the jockeys’ changing room and the kit jockeys wear and use on race days including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddles.
Ruth Morrison, General Manager of Downpatrick Racecourse, said: “We were delighted to welcome local schoolchildren to Downpatrick Racecourse on Wednesday for the HRI Racing Juniors education day.
“For many of the children, it was their first experience of horse racing, and it was fantastic that they were able to get so close to it all.
“The students thoroughly enjoyed racing up the home straight, meeting key figures from the racing world, and even trying out the racehorse simulator. It was a super day, and we hope to host more events like this in future to inspire a new generation to connect with the sport.”
The objective of the HRI Racing Juniors education days is to encourage an affinity with racehorses among the younger generation and demonstrate the variety of careers available in the racing and breeding industry in Ireland.
HRI Racing Juniors education days are free to attend.
To register your school’s interest for a HRI Racing Juniors education day at your local racecourse in 2025, please email:xa0
