School children from the local area took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland Racing Juniors education day at Fairyhouse Racecourse on Wednesday, April 2. The County Meath racecourse is gearing up for its three-day Easter Festival, from Easter Saturday, April 19, to Easter Monday, April 21.
250 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at the County Meath racecourse and meet Kilsallaghan-based trainer Thomas Dreaper and his racehorse Folly Master.
The trainer explained what his job entails 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.
2022 Irish Grand National-winning jockey Paddy O’Hanlon 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.
Racecourse Manager Peter Roe and Track Foreman Richard Stapleton took the children on a course walk to see first-hand how the team prepare the track for the Easter Festival.
They also met Luke Drought from the Fairyhouse team who led an interactive session with the students, demonstrating all the equipment used in caring for horses.
Riding instructor Niall Byrne from RACE – the Racing Academy and Centre of Education, was on hand to give children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator.
“We had a wonderful day on Wednesday hosting our HRI Racing Juniors education day here at Fairyhouse.”
“The children’s energy and enthusiasm was fantastic and they were really interested to learn about all the different aspects of a race day and meet jockey Paddy O’Hanlon in the weigh room and trainer Thomas Dreaper and his horse Folly Master.”
“We are looking forward to welcoming all the children and their families back over our three-day Easter Festival, especially on Easter Sunday for our family day.”
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.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members: HRI Makes Two Key Appointments.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Giving children insight behind the curtain of sport is a sure way to engage and interest them. Capture their imagination and you will have them for life.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Easter Festival at Fairyhouse, including the BoyleSports Irish Grand National, is on the 19th to the 21st of April. Our twice-daily news bulletins land Monday to Friday, 50 weeks of the year.
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