Donacarney children visit Laytown racecourse
School children from Réalt na Mara Boys' National School, in Donacarney, Mornington took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Laytown Strand, whose annual race meeting takes place on Thursday 4th September this year.
Over 100 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at the Meath racecourse and meet Danny the horse who is owned by Laytown local Karl Allen.
The children also met Meath-based trainer Stephen Thorne who 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.
Thorne tacked-up Danny with a saddle, head collar and bridle to demonstrate the process of getting a horse ready to race, ensuring both the rider’s safety and the horse's comfort.
Current Champion Flat Apprentice jockey James Ryan was on hand to talk to the children about life as a jockey and showed them the kit jockeys wear including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.
Farrier Cathal Tuite gave the children a shoeing demonstration with Danny, explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves.
Racecourse Chairman Joe Collins took the children on a beach walk to see first-hand how the team prepare Laytown Strand for racing.
In addition, 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 Monday hosting our HRI Racing Juniors education day here at Laytown," said Jessica Cahalan, Laytown Racecourse manager.
"The children’s energy and enthusiasm was fantastic and they were really interested to learn about all the various aspects of a race day and meet our current Champion Flat Apprentice Jockey James Ryan and racehorse trainer Stephen Thorne.
“We are looking forward to welcoming all the children and their families back to our race-meeting on Thursday 4th September.”
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.