FEATURE EXPERIENCE DAYS
For many youngsters, breaking into the racing world can feel like an impossible task – however, the next generation of fans can now get involved with the sport through a series of unique experience days across the country EXPERIENCE DAYS
O ver the summer holidays, children as young as seven were given the chance to get an in-depth look at the racing industry as part of a brand- new partnership between the largest commercial horseracing organisation in the UK, The Jockey Club, and one of the largest insurance brokerages, risk management and HR consultancy companies in the world, Gallaghers. The aim of the partnership is to offer unrivalled experiences to young people from a broad range of backgrounds – some of whom may already be involved with the sport and others who may never have seen or touched a horse. The first experience day of the summer took place at the National Stud in Newmarket, where there was a focus on young people in secondary education from the London area. Teenagers in attendance were offered the chance to learn about racing to see if it could offer a career path for them. This event also united with another of the Jockey Club’s partners – the Rio Ferdinand Foundation. Grace, who was there, said: “It was fantastic. We learnt all about horses – their anatomy, how they are groomed, how they grow up and how
to pony racing. As part of the day, a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes on at the racecourse was given before they gained an insight into equine welfare with a talk from a vet. Lastly, a pony race was staged before the rest of the day’s card began. Sophie Chambers, Managing Director of Gallagher’s bloodstock practice, said: “Horseracing is a fantastic sport and we want to encourage more youngsters, who might not think of this as a career choice, to consider coming into the racing and thoroughbred industry. There are hugely diverse roles available, beyond just the jockeys we see on the racecourses, all offering great future progression.” Carey Weeks, Partnerships Director at The Jockey Club, said: “It’s fantastic that our partnerships with Gallagher and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation were able to deliver these experience days. “All of the events, in their own way, went to the very heart of what these partnerships are about – opening up racing to young people from a wide range of backgrounds and enhancing engagement. “We look forward to staging further events throughout the remainder of 2023 and beyond.”
they become racehorses. I didn’t know much about horses before, so it was definitely great to understand more about them and the creatives employed within the racing industry. “I am not usually comfortable around animals, but to be there and feel so relaxed made it a great experience.” On the day, guests were given a tour of the 500-acre estate, which provided an opportunity to see the stud’s stallions, including much-loved Stradivarius. There was also a tour of the foaling unit, giving the group the chance to see how and where a racehorse is born and all the work and love that goes into their care. The experience day at Exeter was slightly different, with the 100 young people in attendance introduced
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