The Curragh Racecourse was delighted to welcome school children to the racecourse this week to take part in a special education day in association with HRI Racing Juniors, as the County Kildare track gears up for their Autumn Racing Weekend taking place on September 28 and 29.
Schools represented were Scoil Mhuire, St Patrick’s National School, Newbridge Educate Together National School, Scoil Na Naomh Uilig and Gaelscoil Chill Dara, all in Newbridge along with Allen National School, St Catherine of Siena on the Curragh and Scoil Bhríde, Athgarvan.
Over 500 school children got to go behind the scenes at the world-famous racecourse to meet racehorse trainer Richard Brabazon and his retired racehorse Korbous. Richard who is based on the Curragh, 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 his racehorses to run in a race.
Master Farrier Donal Bennett was joined by students from the Farriery School in Kildare to give the children a shoeing demonstration, explaining the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves.
Riding Coach Niall Byrne from the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE), gave the children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator.
Members of the Curragh racecourse team brought the children on a tour of the racecourse and explained how the team prepare the track for a race meeting and all the equipment required to maintain the racing surface.
Lesley Ferguson, Deputy Head of Veterinary Policy, joined by Dr Graham Adams, Deputy Head of Veterinary Operations at the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB), explained the veterinary protocol for racehorses on race days and the role of the IHRB veterinary team.
Evan Arkwright, Racing and Sponsorship Manager at the Curragh Racecourse, commented:
“We were delighted to welcome children from a variety of local primary schools and hope they found their visit an informative behind the scenes experience, giving them the opportunity to learn about horse racing in a fun and inclusive way. Our objective is to help create opportunities for young people to engage with the racecourse and learn more about the sport’s many and varied career pathways as well as develop the awareness amongst children living close by so that they can appreciate how much the Curragh Racecourse and Training Grounds contribute to the horse racing industry in Ireland.”
Children received a goody bag courtesy of the Curragh and HRI which included two adult admission tickets for day two of the Autumn Racing Weekend on Sunday September 29, children are free when accompanied by an adult. Children were also asked to write a short story to describe their visit with the winners and their families invited to the races to receive their prizes.
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.
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