On September 9th, the education charity Racing to School hosted 30 Year 5 pupils from Cambrai Primary School for a special two-part event at Highbeck Lodge Stables and Catterick Racecourse to celebrate reaching its 250,000th participant since the programme began in 2001.

The activities started at Highbeck Lodge Stables in Leyburn, Yorkshire, where Jedd and Andrea O’Keeffe welcomed the group for a guided tour of the facilities. Pupils met the horses and were able to observe the specialist care they receive from vets and farriers, and they gained a first-hand understanding of the daily routines and responsibilities involved in running a professional training yard.

Reflecting on the visit, one pupil said: “When I get home tonight, I won’t know where to start! I have so much to tell my mum about today!”

Pupils take turns on the equiciser

Andrea O’Keeffe, who also is also a Racing to School Trustee said: “It was a privilege to welcome the group from Cambrai Primary School to the yard with Racing to School as part of National Racehorse Week. The children were engaged and curious, asking thoughtful questions to Jedd, our team, vet and farrier.

“A busy racing yard offers so many opportunities for learning and reflection, and it was rewarding to see the pupils gain so much from the experience. As a Trustee, I am proud of the charity’s work and the opportunities it creates to support children’s learning, aspirations and achievement.”

The group look on as horses ride out at Jedd and Andrea O’Keeffe’s training yard.

In the afternoon, the group visited Catterick Racecourse, meeting jockeys and collecting autographs. The racecourse kindly provided the chance for the school group to judge the Best Turned-Out award (given to one of the racing grooms accompanying a horse in the parade ring) before enjoying the thrill of watching live horseracing. For many, it was their first visit to a racecourse and their first close-up experience with racehorses.

Cambrai Teacher, Sam Marshall said: “The visit to Jedd O’Keeffe’s stables and Catterick Racecourse was exceptional. The children loved every part of the experience — from meeting the horses and helping to clean tack, to watching them in the parade ring and then on the track.

“Both Carrie (Racing to School lead) and Andrea were brilliant hosts, and the day was so well organised with everyone going above and beyond for the pupils. The visit has given our Year 5 children plenty of inspiration to take back into the classroom and build into their learning.”

Pupils watch a farrier demonstration

The charity is so grateful for the support of racecourses, which has been central to Racing to School’s growth and in marking this important milestone. In another example of industry support, Ascot Racecourse marked the achievement by gifting a race title at one of their recent prestigious weekend fixtures, underlining the vital role racecourses play in supporting the charity’s work and helping it reach this landmark.

Emma Stevenson, General Commercial Manager Catterick Racecourse, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Racing to School back to Catterick and proud to help celebrate their incredible milestone of 250,000 participants – a remarkable achievement. Racing to School plays a vital role in educating and inspiring the next generation of racegoers, and we’re delighted to support a charity that makes such a meaningful contribution to our sport and local community.”

Pupils meet-and-greet with jockeys at Catterick

Racing to School extends its thanks to Jedd and Andrea O’Keeffe, Catterick Racecourse, and the Horserace Betting Levy Board, whose support makes these unique educational experiences possible.