A competition hosted by Doncaster Racecourse as part of Local Community and History Month has discovered two exceptionally talented students amongst the borough’s schools.

Lizzie Bowie,13, from Armthorpe Academy was the winner of the secondary school competition with her poem entitled “The Race’. Meanwhile Sky Hassan from year five at Richmond Hill Primary Academy was the winner of the primary competition which was to create a piece of artwork depicting horse racing in Doncaster. The competition, launched as part of Local and Community History Month, provided the ideal opportunity for today’s younger generation to explore racing heritage in the town.

Lizzie’s poem, which takes the reader on a horse racing journey commences:

“1776 is when it all began,
The St. Leger Festival,
Where all the finest ran”

It concludes with an inspired final line which the racecourse team felt encapsulated the very heart of the Doncaster racing heritage, history and experience.

“Massive applause as the trophy is lifted,
People are proud of the duo so gifted,
All in all, what a fantastic day,
Doncaster Racecourse; where dreams are made.”

“It has been great to work with local schools and to receive so many fantastic entries which made judging rather tricky,” said Abby Chandler Head of Marketing Manager Doncaster Racecourse. “Well done to Lizzie and Sky for displaying such creativity – they are true ambassadors for their schools and Doncaster. Lizzie’s poem was superbly written and she had clearly researched racing heritage in the town whilst Sky’s poster visually represented how proud Doncaster is of racing in the past, present and future.”

Both students enjoyed family passes for the recent Yorkshire Wildlife Park family fun day which attracted bumper crowds. They also receive a family pass for St Leger Day in September and a family day pass to Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Lizzie and Sky saw their work printed in the race card for the Father’s Day meeting and they will also be framed and displayed during the prestigious St Leger Festival which this year takes place between Wednesday 13th and Saturday 16th September.

“Our family fun day attracted great crowds who enjoyed quality racing, lots of family activities and quality time with friends and family in the summer sunshine,” said Abby. “It was lovely to welcome Lizzie and Sky and their friends and family and see them enjoying such a huge part of Doncaster’s past and it’s future.”

Details of forthcoming racing and music nights can be found by visiting http://www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk/