225 primary school children go behind the scenes at HRI Racing Juniors education day at Naas Racecourse

School children from Killashee Multi-Denominational National School, Scoil Bhríde and Scoil an Linbh Iosa took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Naas Racecourse on Wednesday May 8 as the County Kildare racecourse gears up for their three family fun days - Saturday May 11, Saturday July 6 and Sunday August 25.

225 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Naas Racecourse and meet Kill-based trainer Ross O’Sullivan and his racehorses Gracesolution. Ross 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.

Former jockey Denis O’Regan brought the children into the weighroom to show them the jockeys’ changing room and the kit jockeys wear and use on race days including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.

Track Foreman Shane Webb took the children on a course walk to see first-hand how the team prepare the track for a race meeting. In addition, RACE - the Racing Academy and Centre of Education, were on hand to give children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator and farrier Sean Kelly explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses hooves. The pupils also met some of the team from The Irish National Stud for a Q&A session about the workings of a stud farm. Lynn Hillyer, Chief Veterinary Officer and her colleagues Graham Adams and Lesley Ferguson at the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board spoke about how racehorses are cared for and the role of the vets on a race day.

Niamh Byrne, Marketing Manager at Naas Racecourse, said: "We were delighted to host such a brilliant group of school children at Naas Racecourse on Wednesday for our HRI Racing Juniors education day. Some of these children could be the future of racing so it was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and interest in learning about the various aspects of the sport and industry. We are fortunate to have great support from the Naas community, and we were delighted to give each child a family ticket to one of our upcoming family fun days on Saturday May 11, Saturday July 6 and Sunday August 25. We look forward to welcoming them and their families back to Naas Racecourse this summer.”

The first of three family fun days at Naas Racecourse starts this Saturday May 11. The kids’ activities - face painting, party kidz fun and games, reptile zoo, magic show on the three days, are free.

A family ticket for two adults with children is €25. For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.naasracecourse.com

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 2024, please email: hriracingjuniors@hri.ie