Final chapter of Under Starter’s Orders inspires Newmarket’s next generation

Racing to School was pleased to once again welcome around 300 Year 5 pupils from 9 local primary schools to participate in this year’s Under Starter’s Orders Programme, delivered in partnership with Newmarket Racecourses, Jockey Club Estates, and Godolphin. Pupils from St Christophers, Ditton Lodge, Laureate, All Saints, Kettlefields, Houldsworth Valley, Exning, Burrough Green and Paddocks Primary participated in three activity days at three historic venues at the heart of their local town.

Ollie McPhail, Racing to School’s Programme Manager, said: “It’s been fantastic to welcome Newmarket’s local primary schools back to the Under Starter’s Orders Programme this year, and to work alongside partners who share our commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences. The variety of activities across the three visits means there is something for every pupil – whether meeting a horse for the first time, exploring racing’s heritage, or experiencing the excitement of a live raceday.

“Organising hundreds of pupils on a busy race day always requires a team effort. We’re extremely grateful to the schools, staff, and all our hosts who helped make this year’s programme such a success and a valuable experience for everyone involved.”

The 2025 programme began in May with visits to two iconic Newmarket venues. At Dalham Hall Stud, pupils met mares and foals and explored the workings of a world class breeding operation. Hearing directly from the stud team offered valuable insight into the early stages of a thoroughbred’s life and the expert care involved in nurturing future stars of the sport. At the National Horseracing Museum, pupils continued their learning by discovering the rich heritage of racing, taking part in interactive exhibits, and having the chance to try on jockey silks. This experience provided a broader understanding of the industry at the heart of their community and helped bring Newmarket’s unique sporting history to life.

Penny Taylor Uk Godolphin Charity Manager said -“Godolphin is really proud to support the Under Starter’s Orders Programme, giving the young people of Newmarket an opportunity to learn what our industry is about.

“The experience really pulls the full life cycle of the horse together for them, helping them gain an understanding of the opportunities on offer and how our sport works.”

The programme reached its finale this month when school groups came together to enjoy a special community raceday at Newmarket’s July Course on 11 July. The day began with a visit to the National Stud, where the knowledge gained from the earlier Dalham Hall Stud visit was put to the test when pupils met some of the resident stallions. As pupils moved around the stud they answered quiz questions on what they had seen at each stop.

Anna Kerr, Chief Executive of the National Stud said “Each year we really look forward to Under Starter’s Orders, it is just fantastic to have so many children visit the stud. They always ask really interesting questions and enjoy the experience of getting up close to the mares, foals and stallions.”

The day continued at the July Course with an afternoon of live racing. Each pupil received a racecard and, with support from the Racing to School team, learned how to interpret it to follow the action. They also had the chance to test their jockey skills on the Equiciser and took part in an immersive racing experience using VR headsets—racing their classmates to the finish line. The day culminated with pupils joining their parents to enjoy the thrill of the raceday—an exciting and memorable experience for all involved.

Alicia Gadsby Headteacher at Kettlefields Primary School said  “The Racing to School Under Starter’s Orders programme is a fantastic opportunity for local schools to get involved in racing and learn more about the industry. The children take part in three visits across some of Newmarket’s most important racing and breeding venues, with the final day offering a real sense of how the different parts of the industry connect—starting at The National Stud and ending with a trip to Newmarket’s July Course.

It’s a brilliant programme because it teaches children about the history of horseracing, the level of care involved in looking after the horses, and introduces them to the wide range of career opportunities within the sport. Racing is a major local employer, so it’s fantastic that young people from the area get to experience the industry first-hand and understand the pathways available to them.”

The Under Starter’s Orders Programme has become a much-loved fixture in Racing to School’s calendar and remains a valued part of racing’s community engagement efforts, made possible by the continued support of Newmarket Racecourses, Jockey Club Estates and Godolphin. Racing to School looks forward to building on this year’s success and helping more local pupils connect with their community and the sport’s cultural significance through engaging, hands-on learning. in 2026.