Pupils inspired through unique Dubai Future Champions Education Week

Last week some of racing’s key organisations opened their doors once again to Newmarket Academy’s Year 8 pupils for the 10^th edition of Dubai Future Champions Education Week.

The programme forms part of the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project and seeks to engage with the local horseracing community to bring the Year 8 curriculum to life. Around 170 pupils were welcomed in by a range of businesses to explore the wealth of career opportunities the industry offers.

Godolphin’s UK Charities Manager Penny Taylor said: “Dubai Future Champions Education week is a feature initiative of the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project, providing students with the opportunity to learn more about the horse racing and breeding industry and the numerous career choices available to them.  It was a wonderful week, culminating with the race (at Newmarket) titled in recognition of the project, giving students a unique opportunity to present prizes to the winning connections.”

Guided by the team from charity partner, Racing to School, pupils took part in four activity days, each with a focus on an aspect of the sport: Horse Welfare, Racing Heritage, Life of a Racehorse, Sales & Care. The week culminated with a trip to the Rowley Mile racecourse to experience the thrill of the races and to cheer home the winner of the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis Stakes.

Horse Welfare Day

Pupils visited two of the town’s veterinary hospitals, Newmarket Equine Hospital and Rossdales, giving them the opportunity to learn how the equine stars of the industry are treated. Activities included equine CPR and the chance to explore biological samples. The groups also learnt about the different paths to becoming a vet or veterinary nurse.

At the British Racing School, pupils received some coaching on the equicizer and discovered what it takes to pass a jockeys’ fitness test, before touring the fantastic facilities.

Racing Heritage Day

 Trips to the National Horseracing Museum and Dalham Hall Stud brought the rich heritage of the sport of horseracing to life. The young people took part in a ‘meet the curator’ challenge at the museum to understand the importance of caring for the artefacts housed there on behalf of  generations to come.

At Dalham Hall Stud, pupils’ geography skills were put to the test as they discovered the countries across the world in which Godolphin races its horses and the connected Darley operation breeds future stars of the sport. It was also an opportunity to meet world famous stallions such as Dubawi, who leads the Darley breeding programme.

Life of a Racehorse Day

 Behind-the-scenes tours of some of the town’s most successful training yards, Park Lodge Stables, Machell Place, Kremlin Cottage and Bedford House Stables were highlights of the week. Stable staff were happy to share their passion and dedication to caring for the horses each day, surprising some of the young people by explaining the opportunity to travel the role provides.

In the afternoon, it was off to the Rowley Mile to test the students’ mathematics skills in the weighing room and parade ring.

Sales & Care Day

 A trip to the sales ring at Tattersalls may have inspired another budding auctioneer to step up to the rostrum. Pupils watched intently as yearlings passed through the ring, tallying up the total sales made during their visit and calculating the average price achieved.

For many of the participants , their visit to the Newmarket Pony Academy provided their first opportunity to interact with a pony. Pupils learnt the names and functions of some essential grooming items, before having the chance to use them to bond with one of the Academy ponies.

Guest speakers Siobhan Miller, Will Saunders and Laura Gibson-Brabazon from The Jockey Club gave inspirational talks across the week. The focus being on the wide range of routes into industry roles; our speakers explained how they started their careers and what their work entails.

Considering the success of the week, Danielle Dawson, Head of Business & IT and NAGBP Coordinator said: “It was a fantastic week and experience for all our pupils . We are extremely grateful for the continuous support from our partners and community that enables this week to be possible.”

Racing to School is very grateful to all our partners and sponsors for their continued support in making this week possible:

Godolphin, Newmarket Racecourses, Jockey Club Estates, British Racing School, Dalham Hall Stud, Discover Newmarket, National Horseracing Museum, Tattersalls, Charlie Fellowes Racing, James Ferguson Racing, Rossdales, Harry Eustace Racing and Kevin Philippart De Foy Racing.