More than 400 local school students descended on the Curragh racecourse on 15^th September for a behind-the-scenes ‘Education Day’ delivered by RACE personnel in conjunction with Ireland’s premier flat racing track.

The successful formula involves the 11-13 year-old schoolchildren learning about the training of horses for the racetrack, the life of a jockey, the preparation of the track and the procedures on race day. Helen O’Sullivan led the team from RACE which included instructors, racehorse simulator and current trainees Marc Monaghan and Natalie Flynn plus former jockey (and RACE graduate) Declan McGann who provided a fascinating insight into the routine of the weighing room.

The students, who were drawn from local schools including Scoil Mhuire Ballymany, Athgarvan Primary, Kilashee Primary, Scoil Bhride Kilcullen and Two Mile House took part in an essay competition to write about their visit, with prizes sponsored by K Bowl.

Picture shows RACE trainee Marc Monaghan with

some of the participating students