STUDENTS from Caragh National School, Scoil Mhuire Ballymore Eustace and St Corban’s National School in Naas took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Punchestown last week.

The three schools were winners of the 2023 Punchestown Festival schools art competition, an initiative that dates back almost 20 years when the Festival grew to a five-day event and the Saturday was named Family Day.

Since then, Festival Saturday has grown to be the largest attended day with a full programme of child and family friendly events with a focus on youth and the future.

Last week 95 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Punchestown before racing and meet with Irish Grand National-winning jockey Ricky Doyle who spoke about the life of a jockey, what jockeys wear and use on racedays including boots, back-protector, helmet, and saddle. The children also got a chance to ride the RACE racehorse simulator.

Track manager Sean Ryan and his team took the children on a short course walk to see first-hand how the team prepare the track for a race meeting.

He explained what is involved in maintaining the track, hurdles and fences.

Punchestown’s Shona Dreaper and Leona Hughes chatted to the children about the preparation for a raceday, from what happens in the stable yard before racing begins, to when the horses go out onto the track to run in their race.

A special treat for the students was meeting with jockeys Rachael Blackmore, Paul Townend and Danny Mullins who spent time signing autographs and taking photos.

Conor O’Neill, Punchestown CEO, commented: “Of all the community focused work we do, the inter schools’ activity is perhaps the most rewarding.

“We often hear stories about kids going racing with their parents and grandparents. This is where memories are made, and lifelong passion begins.

“The Punchestown Family Day is an ideal multi-generational experience with something for all ages and very importantly at an affordable price.

“Over 20 local primary schools will take part in the art competition which incorporates learning about racing but also instills pride in being part of this world-famous sporting event that is right in the heart of the Kildare community.”

Heather Downey, youth marketing executive at Horse Racing Ireland, said: “We were delighted to kick off our 2024 Racing Juniors education days at Punchestown. Over 1,000 children went behind the scenes at their local racecourse in 2023 and already there is huge interest from schools around the country for this year’s events.

“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 schools interest for a HRI Racing Juniors education day at your local racecourse in 2024, email hriracingjuniors@hri.ie