The sport of kings and youngsters!
School children from St Joseph's, Monastery, Thomastown, Bansha, Monard, Lisvernane and Oola National Schools took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Tipperary Racecourse on Tuesday, September 17, as the County Tipperary racecourse gears up for their Super Sunday race meeting on October 6.
Over 200 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Tipperary Racecourse and meet Monard trainer Patrick Gerard Ryan and his racehorse Coffeys Forge. Pat explained the 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 Ken Whelan 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.
Racecourse Manager Andrew Hogan and Track and Facilities Manager Perry Power brought the children on a tour of the stable yard and the racecourse and explained how the team prepare the track for a race meeting and all the equipment required to maintain the racing surface.
Farrier Johnny O’Connell explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves.
In addition, Riding Coach Niall Byrne from RACE - the Racing Academy and Centre of Education, gave the children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator.
Andrew Hogan, Tipperary Racecourse Manager, said: “We were delighted to host our HRI Juniors education day and welcome so many enthusiastic and interested pupils from St Joseph's, Monastery, Thomastown, Bansha, Monard, Lisvernane and Oola National Schools.
“The HRI Juniors education days are a wonderful opportunity for the next generation of racegoers to learn about horse racing, see behind the scenes of a racecourse, get up close and personal to a racehorse and understand the variety of jobs available in the racing and breeding industry. We look forward to welcoming back all the children and their families to Super Sunday on October 6.”
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
To book tickets or more information about Tipperary Racecourse’s Super Sunday meeting on October 6, visit www.tipperaryraces.ie