Meath primary schools' behind the scenes access at HRI Racing Juniors education day

School children from Cannistown National School and Moynalvey National School, Summerhill took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Navan racecourse on Tuesday.

65 fifth and sixth class primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Navan racecourse and meet Meath-based trainer Ian Donoghue and his racehorse, Vikki Wall. Ian who is based in Clonalvy in Meath, 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.

Jockey Denis O’Regan 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.

Groundsman Vincent Eivers took the children on a course walk to see first-hand how the team prepare the track for a racemeeting. In addition to this the children got a chance to ride the racehorse simulator and learned more about racing during the Front Runner Racing education station.

Aidan McGarry, Navan Racecourse Manager, commented: “It has been great to welcome so many here today and give a behind the scenes look at the racecourse and how it works ahead of our inaugural Navan Racing Festival on November 18 and 19. From the full-time team here and then the many local businesses we support, it is great for the kids to get an insight to the business and career opportunities the industry holds as well as from a sporting perspective.”

Aileen Goatley, Head of Marketing at HRI, said: “We are delighted with the participation from schools in our education days this year. Almost 1,000 children from Meath, Dublin, Kildare and Kerry went behind the scenes at their local racecourse to learn about the industry from trainers, jockeys, farriers and ground staff. Education days are a key pillar of HRI Racing Juniors and we are delighted to support racecourses in opening their doors to local schools and communities.”

The objective of the HRI Racing Juniors education days is to encourage an affinity with racehorses among the younger generation.

HRI Racing Juniors education days are free to attend. To register your school for a HRI Racing Juniors education day at your local racecourse in 2024, please email: hriracingjuniors@hri.ie.