The ever-popular St Leger Community Day returned to Doncaster racecourse on 10th September, welcoming 60 pupils from local Willow Primary School for the third consecutive year. Delivered in partnership with Arena Racing Company (ARC) and Racing to School, the visit continued National Racehorse Week activity and connected young people with Britain’s oldest Flat Classic ahead of the Festival that is so important to the local community.
Pupils on the Town Moor track at Doncaster, crossing the historic St Leger finish line.
The activity day began in the Weighing Room, where pupils explored jockey kit and equipment. Jockey Lewis Edmunds spoke about life in the saddle, answered questions on training and raceday routines, and gave a demonstration on the Equiciser before inviting the group to try it out for themselves. Pupils also had the chance to experience the thrill of a race through VR headsets, providing an immersive insight into the sport.
In the weighing room, pupils get hands-on with racing equipment.
Out on the famous Town Moor track, pupils raced their friends across the same finish line that top thoroughbreds contested during the St Leger Festival.
Rachael Harwood, Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse said: “We were absolutely delighted to host the Racing to School event for Willow Primary here at Doncaster Racecourse in the run-up to this year’s St Leger Festival. It was a real pleasure to welcome so many enthusiastic young people and give them the chance to learn more about the sport, the racecourse, and the history behind this iconic Festival.
“The energy and curiosity they brought with them was inspiring, and it was wonderful to see the next generation engaging with racing in such a hands-on way. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Racing to School and to creating more opportunities like this in the future.”
The pupils were especially excited to meet Pint Of Bear, immaculately turned out and paraded by groom Katherine Ashbury from trainer Scott Dixon’s Southwell yard. They enjoyed feeding him carrots and polos, while Scott spoke about the daily care and training of his horses.
Pint of Bear enjoying polos and carrots under the watchful eye of his groom, Katherine, and trainer Scott Dixon.
A history session with racing steward Mike Goodfellow on behalf of ARC brought the story of the St Leger to life, which explained Doncaster’s place in racing history and what it takes to stage such a major event.
The day concluded with a fun quiz, complete with prizes, to bring together everything the pupils had learnt about racing, horses and the St Leger.
Racing to School is grateful to Doncaster Racecourse and ARC for their support, and to Lewis Edmunds, Scott Dixon and his team, and Mike Goodfellow for sharing their time and expertise. We are thankful for their continued support in making memorable experiences like this possible.