Primary school children go behind the scenes at Horse Racing Ireland event in Limerick Racecourse

A TOTAL of 140 PRIMARY school children from four different schools in Limerick were given behind the scenes access at a HRI Racing Juniors education day at Limerick Racecourse.

School children from Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh in Roxborough, Bohermore National School in Ballysimon, Presentation Primary School from Limerick city and Our Lady of Lourdes National School in Rosbrien took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day at Limerick Racecourse last Wednesday as they gear up for their Munster National weekend this Saturday and Sunday, October 19-20,
 
Fifth and sixth class primary school children got to go behind the scenes at Limerick Racecourse and meet racehorse trainer Eric McNamara, and his racehorse Decimation, who 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.
 
Jockey Conor McNamara brought the children into the weighroom to show them the jockeys’ changing room and the kit jockeys wear and use on racedays including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.
 
Limerick track manager Dave Buston took the children on a course walk to see first-hand how the team prepare the track for a race meeting. In addition, facilities manager Padraig Gleeson took the children on a tour of the stable yard.
 
Farrier’s John and Liam Brennan with racehorse Storm Mahler gave the children a shoeing demonstration, explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves.
 
Limerick Racecourse director and retired vet Bill Murphy explained the role of the vets and the veterinary protocols in place on race day.
 
Riding coach Niall Byrne from the Racing Academy and Centre of Education (RACE) gave the children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator.
 
Michael Lynch Limerick Racecourse CEO, commented: “We were delighted to host our HRI Juniors education day and welcome so many enthusiastic and interested pupils from Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh in Roxborough, Bohermore National School in Ballysimon, Presentation Primary School from Limerick City and Our Lady Of Lourdes National School in Rosbrien.
 
“The HRI Juniors education days are a wonderful 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 Limerick Racecourse for our Munster National weekend on Saturday and Sunday.”
 
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