230 primary school children go behind the scenes at HRI Racing Juniors education day at Downpatrick Racecourse
As Downpatrick racecourse gears up for their two-day meeting on Saturday and Sunday 13th and 14th June, 10 local primary schools visited taking part in Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day .
Pupils from Derryboy PS, St. Caolans PS, Killyleagh Integrated PS, St. Joesph’s PS Carnacaville, St Brigid’s PS Downpatrick, St Patrick’s Legamaddy, Cumran PS Clough, St Mary’s PS Killyleagh, Holy Family PS and St. Joseph’s PS Killough took part in the special event on Wednesday 3rd June.
230 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Downpatrick and meet racehorse trainer Paddy Turley, whose training yard is based at the racecourse, along with one of his racehorses.
Paddy 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.
Head Groundsman Fintan Ward along with his team of Gerard Boyle and Alan Livingstone explained how the team prepare the track for a race meeting and all the equipment required to maintain the racing surface.
In addition, The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Enniskillen, were on hand to give children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator and farrier Eamon McCann explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves.
Former trainer and Downpatrick Racecourse Director Noel Chance along with Racecourse Manager Ruth Morrison brought the children into the Weigh Room to show them the jockeys’ changing room and the kit jockeys wear and use on race days including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.
The children also got the opportunity to try on racing silks and learn about a jockey’s raceday routine.
Ruth Morrison, General Manager Downpatrick Racecourse, said: “It was fantastic to welcome students from local schools to Downpatrick Racecourse for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of racing.
“They particularly enjoyed meeting a real racehorse from Patrick Turley’s stable in Downpatrick and experiencing the racehorse simulator from CAFRE.
“The day was a great success, and we look forward to creating more opportunities like this to introduce young people to 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 across Ireland.
