Educational visit for local school pupils

Educational visit for local school pupils

11 June 2025

LOCAL primary school children have been given a behind-the-scenes look at Downpatrick Racecourse.

A total of 150 pupils visited the racecourse last Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s big two-day meeting.

The visit was part of a Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day and it gave the children a chance to see what it takes to run a race meeting.

Students from St Macartan’s Primary School in Loughinisland, Annsborough Integrated PS Killyleagh Integrated PS, St Brigid’s PS in Downpatrick, St Patrick’s PS,s  Legamaddy, Cumran PS, Clough, and St Mary’s PS, Killyleagh, were welcomed for a day of hands-on learning and exploration.

The children had the opportunity to meet local racehorse trainer Paddy Turley, whose yard is based at the racecourse.

Paddy introduced the students to one of his racehorses and explained his role as a trainer, describing the horses’ daily routines, diet, and training schedules, as well as the preparation involved ahead of a race.

Track preparation was the focus of a session with head groundsman Fintan Ward and his team of Gerard Boyle and Joe Quinn, who demonstrated the machinery and techniques used to maintain the racecourse.

Pupils also got a close-up look at fences and hurdles before testing their own speed with a run up the home straight.

Staff from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Enniskillen were on site with a racehorse simulator, giving students a thrilling virtual riding experience.

Farrier Rory Lavery gave a demonstration on caring for racehorses’ hooves and the specialist tools involved in his work.

The tour continued with a visit to the weigh room led by former trainer and racecourse director Noel Chance, alongside racecourse manager Ruth Morrison.

Pupils explored the jockeys’ changing area and got to see the racing equipment up close, including boots, helmets, back protectors, and saddles. They even had the chance to try on racing silks and learn about a jockey’s routine on race day.

Ruth said afterwards: “We were delighted to welcome local schoolchildren to Downpatrick Racecourse to see behind the scenes.

“For many of the children, it was their first experience of horse racing and it was fantastic that they were able to get so close to it all. 

“The students thoroughly enjoyed racing up the home straight, meeting key figures from the racing world, and even trying out the racehorse simulator.”

She added: “It was a super day, and we hope to host more events like this in future to inspire a new generation to connect with the sport.”

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.