AP’s record stats a perfect maths lesson for Lambourn Primary pupils

They say you should never meet your heroes, but for one lucky group of schoolchildren, the experience couldn’t have been better. Pupils at Lambourn CofE Primary School were treated this week to a special visit from horseracing legend Sir AP McCoy.

When the school’s Year 6 class were asked to research local history, they were astounded by the true extent of their local area’s connection to the horseracing industry. One plucky pupil was so enthusiastic about the topic that he decided to write to the twenty-time champion jockey to ask if he might visit their school.

AP retired in 2015 with a remarkable 4,358 winners to his name but he has not stopped working across the sport, supporting the Injured Jockeys Fund and many other good causes, as well as his role on ITV Racing. The school was delighted that AP agreed to come and talk to pupils about his distinguished career.

Racing to School was pleased to go along and be part of this special visit to Lambourn Primary School, which has the motto ‘let your light shine’.

“The pupils had a great afternoon and were very keen to try on the silks and have a go on the equiciser once they had been inspired by AP’s account of life as a jockey,” said Racing to School’s Programme Manager Ollie McPhail.

“Analysis of his record-breaking career statistics – including riding over 4,000 winners and being crowned champion jockey 20 times – makes for a unique maths lesson in school! It was really good of AP to give up his day to talk to the pupils, and I know that his words will have had a real impact on the class.”

AP’s career is one decorated with accolades, but he talked openly about how hard he had to work every day to achieve this success. Winners very rarely come easily, and jockeys must learn to deal with failure and falls to maintain a positive attitude throughout the season – an important lesson to learn from a young age.

When asked by one pupil what he would have done if he hadn’t become a jockey, AP admitted that he is better at driving a digger than riding a horse! So, either he is being very modest, or the construction industry might need to watch out!

We were told by the school’s Principal, Rachel Perkins that the pupils were still excited about their special visitor the next day and, we expect, will be for a long time to come…