CHILDREN from six local schools took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Ballinrobe Racecourse last Monday.

Some 160 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Ballinrobe and meet local trainer Michael Flannery and jockey Derek O’Connor.

Michael 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.

Derek 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 Cathal Flannelly explained how the team prepare the track for a race meeting and all the equipment required to maintain the racing surface. 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 Dylan McGrath explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses hooves.

John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse manager, said: ‘It’s incredibly important to us to provide opportunities like this for young minds to engage with the sport in a meaningful way that is not always possible on a race day. The children got to experience what happens behind the scenes and ask questions firsthand to better understand our sport and our racecourse.”