Local schools and Pony Clubs have been given a unique opportunity at half term as part of ‘Racing Recruitment Day’ at Catterick Racecourse.
Next month, on Friday 2nd June, Catterick Racecourse will open its doors to local school children and Pony Club members for a behind the scenes experience prior to a unique race day at the track.
Ahead of an action packed card, with seven thrilling races, a pre-registered group of children will be taken on guided tour of the course with Racing to School. Carrie Ford, who famously rode Forest Gunner to fifth place in the 2005 Grand National, will lead the tour which will include the weighing room, the stables and a course walk.
Carrie Ford, Northern Regional Education Officer for Racing to School said: “Racing to School is delighted to support the Racing Recruitment Day at Catterick Racecourse. Prior to racing we will be offering a unique ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the racecourse visiting areas which are normally restricted to the public, giving an insight into both how racing works and the wide range of employment opportunities that the horseracing industry has to offer.”
The gates will be open to the public from 11:50am with racing getting under way at 1:50pm. Prior to the first race, the course will host an interactive question and answer session with trainers, jockeys, stable staff, ground staff and racecourse staff. All racegoers are invited to take part in this session; which will take place at the Winner’s enclosure.

In addition, Careers in Racing, The Northern Racing College and Racing to School will all have informative stands at the course on the day and there will be an equicisor on site for any budding jockey’s looking to feel what it’s like to ride a winner!
Free entertainment, including the Go Racing in Yorkshire roadshow, a ‘Where’s Wally’ style colouring board of all the different racing careers and bouncy castles, will be on offer in the Course Enclosure for the younger race goers to enjoy.
Fiona Needham, General Manager and Clerk of the Course said: “There are so many different career options within the racing industry, so to have the opportunity to showcase them all is exciting, and I hope that we can inspire some of our young race goers to think about a career within the industry.”