RACE STO P S SCHOOL

TOWNSVILLE Grammar School’s Pre- Prep Paper Horse Race was a big hit again this year, putting a unique spin on the race that stops the nation. The Paper Horse Race, celebrated in conjunction with the Melboure Cup last week, got children out of the classrooms, running around and keeping active.

A great crowd of older students, parents and teachers dressed in their finest racing fashions rolled up to see the pre- preps race their pool- noodle horses, which the students helped to make themselves.

Head of the Townsville Grammar Junior School Noel Nethery said the atmosphere of the Paper Horse Race was less competitive, more festive.

“They’re a bit puffed at the end of it, but they do love it and they get into the spirit of the day,” Mr Nethery said.

With three races and almost 70 four and five- yearolds taking to the fields to compete, there was plenty of cheering on from the massive crowd for every competitor, especially from the older students who had run in the Paper Horse Race in years prior.

“Horseracing is a big part of Australian history,” Mr Nethery said.

“For a school we bring it down to what it means to four and five year olds, and they have a great time.”

The Pre- Prep Paper Horse Race has been running for about 10 years at Townsville Grammar School. RIGHT: Townsville Grammar School Pre- Prep students Olly Walker, Jack Nielsen and Mia Kelly took part in the Pre- Prep Paper Horse Race.