Pupils get look behind racing

KILLARNEY Racecourse hosted the perfect preamble to its first fixture of the season on May 12 by hosting 150 pupils from St Oliver’s Primary School and Presentation Monastery National School.

The children enjoyed taking part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day.

They were given behind the scenes access to Killarney Racecourse and met with Tralee-based trainer Tom Cooper who explained what his job entails as a racehorse trainer and the day-to-day routine for his racehorses.

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, which amounts to over 30,000 nationally.

Jockey Gary Noonan brought the children into the weigh-room to show them the jockeys’ changing areas and the kit they wear and use on race days including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.

Track Supervisor Mike O’Connor took the children on a course walk to see firsthand how the team prepare the track for a race meeting. In addition, farrier Timmy MacGillycuddy, with his horse Nancy, was on hand to give children a demonstration.

“We were delighted to host our HRI Juniors education day and to welcome pupils to Killarney Racecourse ahead of our 2024 season, which gets underway with our May Festival… We look forward to welcoming more schools to Killarney Racecourse in the future,” said Killarney Racecourse Chairman, Billy O’Sullivan.

To register your school’s interest for a HRI Racing Juniors education day at your local racecourse in 2024, please email: hriracingjuniors@hri.ie.