Local school children enjoy a great day at Tramore racecourse – Racing – Waterford News & Star

School children from St Paul’s National School in Lisduggan, Scoil Mhuire in Butlerstown, Holy Cross National School and Glór Na Mara National School, both in Tramore took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Tramore Racecourse on Wednesday June 15 ahead of the racecourse’s family race day Tuesday July 9.

170 fifth and sixth class primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Tramore Racecourse and meet Kilkenny-based trainer Tony Mullins and Racecourse Manager Owen Byrne with former racehorse Know Not What. Tony 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. Know Not What is now owned by Owen Byrne and his family and has developed a second career showing, showjumping and taking part in riding club activities.

Jockey Darragh O’Keeffe brought the children into the weigh room to show the children the jockeys’ changing room and the kit jockeys wear and use on race days including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.

Groundsman Chris Shanahan took the children on a course walk to see first-hand how the team prepare the track for a race meeting. Farrier Colm Gallaher explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves. In addition, Zoe Smalley, Travelling Head Girl for Henry de Bromhead was on hand to show the children a horsebox that racehorses travel to the races in, and talked them through all the equipment grooms use on a race day, such as rugs, feed, hay, the owners’ colours, bridles, cheekpieces, hoods, brushes, buckets, sponges and plaiting bands.

Owen Byrne, Tramore Racecourse Manager, said: “We were delighted to host our HRI Juniors education day and welcome so many enthusiastic and interested pupils from St Paul’s National School in Lisduggan, Scoil Mhuire in Butlerstown, Holy Cross National School and Glór Na Mara National School, both in Tramore to the racecourse.

“The HRI Juniors education days are a great opportunity for the next generation of racegoers to learn about horse racing, see behind the scenes of a racecourse, get up close and personal to a racehorse and understand the variety of jobs available in the racing and breeding industry. We look forward to welcoming back all the children and their families to our family day on Tuesday July 9.” 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.

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