Springing into Action in 2025
As April begins, we are proud to reflect on another record-breaking start to the year for the charity. Across 121 events at racecourses and other key racing venues, we have supported the learning of 4,346 young people and the team is striding toward our ambitious target to engage 17,500 participants in 2025 – a year when we will celebrate the 10th Anniversaries of both our Aintree and Newmarket Beacon Programmes.

Our dedicated Programme Delivery Team has been working nationwide with young people from all backgrounds to bring education to life through the excitement of horseracing. From immersive experiences at Festival Monday at Cheltenham to piloting bespoke educational days with charity partners New Beginnings, the winter months were filled with impactful learning opportunities. News of other new partnerships to expand our reach and further enhance our impact will follow later in the year.

Odds-on that Festival Monday is here to stay
The third annual Festival Monday, held with the support of the Jockey Club and Gallagher Insurance at Cheltenham Racecourse, once again proved to be a standout event in Racing to School’s calendar, offering a unique behind-the-scenes experience for the local community. The initiative welcomed over 100 young people to Prestbury Park, where they explored the inner sanctum of the weighing room and parade rings. The day featured hands-on learning with former jockeys Daryl Jacob and Tom Scudamore, a training session on the Equiciser, our mechanical horse, and an immersive virtual reality experience hosted by our partners JockeyCam.

Pupils also had the chance to meet Freddie the Pony and retired racehorse Saphir du Rheu, while leading Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore and broadcaster Ed Chamberlin once again shared their insights into life in the sport. The questions and autograph hunters were never-ending on this special day!

Charities team up to offer unique learning opportunities
Racing to School was pleased to launch a new partnership with racehorse retraining and rehoming charity New Beginnings to deliver two pilot events at their new purpose-built education hub in East Yorkshire. Across two days, 39 pupils from Pearson Primary School and York High School participated in distinctive hands-on experiences to strengthen their learning about the thoroughbred horseracing industry.

The activity days formed part of the Education Programme supported by the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust. The work aims to build on the impetus from the unique Racing to School experience of those young people in targeted diverse, deprived, disadvantaged areas, supporting them to apply and develop their school learning.

Sculpting Masterclass Offers New Skills to Newmarket Beacon Students
The Sculpting Masterclass, led by award-winning artist Debbie Burt, continues to be a standout experience for students at Newmarket Academy. This hands-on workshop introduces students to the art of equine sculpture, enhancing their creativity while deepening their connection to horseracing.

Guided by Debbie’s expertise, students learn fundamental sculpting techniques, exploring the anatomy and movement of horses to bring their creations to life. The session provides a unique blend of artistic expression and industry insight, showcasing the diverse opportunities within racing.

Now a firm favourite in our calendar, the workshop reflects Racing to School’s commitment to delivering innovative learning experiences that inspire and engage young people in new and creative ways.

Looking Ahead
Spring is a time of rebirth, and the emergence of foals is synonymous with the life cycle of the racing industry and presents a chance to share this magical time with young people.

Activity for the ever popular Under Starter’s Orders programme, delivered in partnership with Newmarket Racecourses, Jockey Club Estates and Godolphin, begins this month. This three-event initiative offers Year 5 pupils a bespoke introduction to the racing industry, with visits to Dalham Hall Stud, the National Horseracing Museum, The National Stud, and Newmarket Racecourses. With 14 schools participating this year, many pupils will experience their first close-up interaction with a horse, an unforgettable moment in their learning journey.

We are proud to be working with Royal Ascot this year, providing an interactive experience for local schoolchildren to engage with the sport through VR technology and Equiciser training. They will also have the chance to enjoy the unique spectacle of the Royal Procession at one of the world’s most prestigious race meetings.

Welcoming Maisie Welch to the Team

Last month, we were delighted to welcome Maisie Welch as the charity’s new Communications and Events Executive.

Maisie joins Racing to School following her completion of The British Horseracing Authority’s Development Programme, where she undertook a placement as digital project lead at HEROS, a charity focused on re-training and rehoming ex-racehorses.

Maisie is keen to boost awareness of the charity’s work through its communications and events. Maisie can be contacted through maisie@racingtoschool.co.uk or 07824 952421.

We should like to say a special thank you to all our supporters; the Levy Board; racing stakeholders; charitable trusts; racecourses; Pony Club Branches and Centres, schools and colleges and the many individuals who underpin the effectiveness of our work.

We are committed to create, measure and continually improve meaningful experiences for our young beneficiaries  – we hope that we can rely on your friendship to do this work.

Please consider supporting us today through a donation to our charity; or by running an event or activity on our behalf (contact jen@racingtoschool.co.uk).