On Wednesday 13 September, over fifty school children from Willow Primary School in Bessacarr will head to Doncaster Racecourse to enjoy a day with Racing to School, the educational charity that aims to inspire young minds with interactive outdoor educational events at racing venues.

The day will encompass a variety of educational activities around the Racecourse, including learning about the life of a professional jockey and meeting a racehorse, as well as some history about the St Leger Festival and the role it plays within the City.

The children will have the opportunity to practice their riding technique on an equiciser with the help of Racing to School’s expert riding instructors, as well as experience a race in virtual reality.

Executive Director of Doncaster Racecourse, Rachel Harwood said, “We are delighted to open our doors ahead of racing to welcome Racing to School and the children to come and learn more about our sport, and the St Leger Festival itself. National Racehorse Week is a fantastic series of events taking place across the country to engage the general public with the sport, which we are delighted to support in this way.”

“Horseracing plays a prominent role in the rich history and sporting heritage of Doncaster, and we want to make sure that we can pass that message on to the next generation, whilst allowing them a fun and engaging educational day out of the classroom.”

Carrie Ford of Racing to School said, “Our thanks go to the team at Doncaster Racecourse for taking the time out ahead of their biggest meeting of the year to accommodate and engage with the day.

“We find that school children find days on the racecourse hugely engaging, so we were delighted to help plan the bespoke programme for today which will also give them an understanding of the history of the St Leger Festival specifically, and the importance that it plays within the local community.”

“Equally, we must thank trainer Scott Dixon for bringing along a horse for the children to meet as well as Page Fuller who will be able to give them a full insight in to life as a professional jockey and all of the different elements that that entails.”

The four-day St Leger Festival gets underway on Thursday 14 September, running until Sunday 17 September. For more information, or to buy tickets, please visit www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk.