Go Behind The Scenes With Racing To School
What is Racing to School?
There’s no better way to get a taste of the exciting world of horse racing than going behind the scenes to get a first-hand look. Imagine visiting the parade ring or the jockeys’ weighing room at a racecourse, or seeing horses close-up at training yards and having the chance to ask questions to the staff who care for them.
Racing to School is an education charity that offers just that.
If you’re at school or college, you could get a unique insight into horse racing by going behind the scenes at racecourses and other horse racing venues in Britain. These days are provided free, regardless of backgrounds or academic achievement.
What activities are on offer?
There are lots of activities to get involved in through Racing to School, so there’s something for all ages, and each one is designed to be fun and help you learn about horses along the way. Read on to see what’s on offer.
Schools’ Programme day
These days offer unique access to a racecourse for young people to explore behind the scenes before gates open to the public. Your group will visit the weighing room, parade ring and go out on to the track to complete a series of activities that also help brush up your maths, writing and history skills. After this, it’s time to learn how to read a racecard before watching some live horse racing. It’s best suited for school years 5 and 6.
Riders’ Programme day
If you’re in college and thinking about your career options, these days are a great opportunity to visit a racecourse to see what horse racing can offer you. The Racing to School team will guide you around the racecourse, exploring areas like the weighing room and meeting the race day staff who work to keep things running smoothly. You may even get to quiz a jockey or two on their life in the saddle!
For groups that can’t make it to a racecourse, visits to colleges can be arranged to share presentations and answer any questions.
Horse and Pony Racing Introduction
Booked through your Pony Club Branch or Centre, these days are perfect for those with access to a horse or pony wanting to learn the basics about pony racing. The sessions are one activity on the Pathway into Racing through Pony Racing, so a good stepping stone for getting more involved in Pony Racing.
Let’s Go Racing day
Held at racecourses, training yards and stud farms during school holidays, you’ll go behind the scenes for a unique insight into how these facilities are run, and learn about the career opportunities available.
Who can take part in a Schools’ or Riders’ Programme days?
The charity offers places for free so as many young people in Britain can experience the programmes. Ideally your school or college will be within an hour’s drive of a racecourse but if not, Racing to School can still work with your teacher or lecturer to organise a visit to your classroom.
The Schools’ Programme is best suited to school years 5 and 6, while the Riders’ Programme College days are suitable for any college year.
Who can take part in a Horse and Pony Racing Introduction or Let’s Go Racing day?
These activities are open to Pony Club branches, centres and their members, as well as local riding groups.
How can I get involved?
If you would like to get involved with any of Racing to Schools’ activities, you can ask your teacher, lecturer, parent or carer to visit our website –– racingtoschool.co.uk – or email [email protected] to find out more and check availability. There is plenty of information on our website and social media platforms, and to get a flavour of what our days are all about, watch our animated activity videos narrated by famous horse racing commentator John Hunt.
Case Study
A conversation with Kayleigh Greensmith
Kayleigh’s journey into horse racing didn’t start with a life-long passion; in fact, she started out as a critic. After an impactful Racing to School day at Kempton Park in 2014, Kayleigh recognised the career opportunities the sport has to offer and she is now a dedicated member of the racing community in Newmarket.
Q: To start off, what was your relationship with horse racing like before you went on that school trip?
Kayleigh: Honestly, I was actually against it. I didn’t have a racing background, and I’d only really seen the negative side of things, like horses falling on TV. Because I was young, I was easily influenced by those biased opinions and had a very closed mind about the whole industry.
Q: What happened during that day at Kempton Park that changed your mind?
Kayleigh: It just gave me a real insight into what actually goes on behind the scenes. We did a tour of the track, went into the weighing room, and even did some maths activities. We got to try on the racing silks and see the horses up close. By the time we watched the race at the end of the day, my opinion had completely changed. I decided right then that I wanted to be a part of it.
Q: How did you go from that one day at the races to working in the industry?
Kayleigh: I went home and told my mum I wanted to work with racehorses, and I kept saying it from the age of nine until I was 16. Eventually, I did a work experience week at Marcus Tregoning’s yard, which was a great way to see the daily grind, and I ended up riding and looking after some really nice horses. After I left school, I applied to the British Racing School, and started my course there the following March.
Q: Where are you working now, and what’s the best part of the job for you?
Kayleigh: I’m at Charlie McBride’s yard in Newmarket. My absolute favourite part is the work riding. There are always opportunities to try new things, and even if you get something wrong, you just try again the next week. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some great horses, like Priscilla’s Wish, who won five times in a row last year, and a two-year-old named Charming Whisper who won a Class 2 at Yarmouth.
Q: For any young person who might be sceptical like you were, what advice would you give them?
Kayleigh: I’d say don’t knock it until you try it. It is hard work, and you have to be prepared to be out in the cold, the wet, and the rain; it’s definitely not a “fair weather” job! You might feel like there are more bad days than good sometimes, but it’s so rewarding when you see a horse you’ve worked with since they were young finally win. Just work hard, keep your head down, and show your boss you’re happy to get stuck in, even with jobs like cleaning tack!
The Feedback
Pupil feedback
“This was one of the best experiences I’ve been through. The thing that surprised me was how many races there are in a day. I’ve learnt a lot about horse racing. I really enjoyed this. Thank you. “
Trang, pupil, following a day at Lingfield racecourse
“It surprised me that there are so many different jobs in the racing industry. I really enjoyed the overall experience, more than I thought I would.”
Poppy, pupil, following a day at Doncaster racecourse
“I was surprised I was able to get so close to a horse and it was amazing. We got to wear Jockey jackets and discover and learn a whole lot of new things. Altogether it was a really good time.”
Keaton, pupil, following a day at Newcastle racecourse
Teacher feedback
“A wonderful trip combining maths, real life, science which the children were able to link to our curriculum – they also asked great questions regarding the horse’s heart.”
Emma Smith, teacher, following a day at Haydock Park racecourse
“Leaders were knowledgeable and friendly. Their hospitality was wonderful and their encouragement with the students was second to none – a truly excellent day for students and adults alike!”
Natelie Jones, teacher, following a day at Leicester racecourse
“A fantastic opportunity for all our children to have experienced. Staff involved were brilliant; the children left with so much knowledge and enthusiasm.”
Louise Robson, teacher, following a day at Epsom racecourse
College student feedback
“I really enjoyed it as I have never had the opportunity to come to a race before it has given me more career choices for the future.”
Alex Bayment, college student, following a day at Wincanton racecourse
“Loved it! Such a good experience, really informative friendly environment and the trainers and jockeys were friendly and happy to answer questions.”
Aisha, college student, following a day at Lingfield racecourse
