Mayo school children go behind the scenes at Ballinrobe Racecourse

School children from six Mayo schools got to see the inner workings of one of the most prestigious racecourses in the land courtesy of Horse Racing Ireland.

One-hundred-and-sixty enrolled at St Joseph’s Ballinrobe, The Neale National School, Roxboro National School, Cong National School, St Mary’s National School Partry and Cloonliffen National School, took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Racing Juniors education day, ahead of Ballinrobe’s two-day meeting on Monday and Tuesday May 27 and 28.

During their trip, the children got to meet local trainer Michael Flannery and his racehorse Lean Times.

Mr Flannery 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 Derek O’Connor brought the children into the weighroom to show them the jockeys’ changing room and the kit jockeys wear and use on race days including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.

Track Manager Cathal Flannelly explained how the team prepare the track for a race meeting and all the equipment required to maintain the racing surface.

In addition, RACE - the Racing Academy and Centre of Education, gave the children an opportunity to ride the racehorse simulator where farrier Dylan McGrath explained the role of the farrier and the skills and equipment required to treat racehorses hooves.

“It was fantastic to welcome 160 enthusiastic children from our local national schools to Ballinrobe Racecourse on Monday for our HRI Juniors education day,” said John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse Manager.

“It’s incredibly important to us to provide opportunities like this for young minds to engage with the sport in a meaningful way that is not always possible on a race day. The children got to experience what happens behind the scenes and ask questions first-hand to better understand our sport and our racecourse.”