Young minds connect with the oldest Classic 

Over 50 local primary school children descended on Doncaster Racecourse on Wednesday as part of a St Leger Education Day. The event was a partnership between Arena Racing Company and Racing to School and took inspiration from the success of the inaugural Festival Monday, delivered at Cheltenham Racecourse on the eve of The Festival back in March.

John Blake, CEO of Racing to School said: “It was very good of Doncaster to roll out the red carpet to our enthusiastic group from nearby Willow Primary School. We hope that through learning about the importance of the Leger race meeting to the history of their hometown that the pupils will have a better understanding of the sport and be proud of the association.

“It was a varied day thanks to the support of many people and a great way to celebrate National Racehorse week.”

The day was led by Racing to School’s Carrie Ford, Alison Osborne and Toby Becton who ensured the group was immersed in all the different activities as part of their outdoor learning. Former jockey and  ARC ambassador Page Fuller, was also on hand to explain to the young people the experience of riding in a race, and she provided a masterclass and helpful hints on the Racing to School equicisers.

Another star of the show was Rebel Redemption, who was beautifully turned out and paraded by Katherine Asbury from Scott Dixon’s Southwell yard. The group was full of questions for Scott and was blown away by being allowed to feed him carrots, polos and handfuls of grass.

One of the children from Willow Primary School said: “It surprised me that the racecourse has such a big and strong history. It is amazing and I hope to come again soon. I love that I got to learn many facts, such as I did not know The Queen had so many horses.”

ARC’s Head of Communications Sam Cone led a fascinating session on the history of the St Leger and the children cheered home Frankie Dettori and Logician in a replay of the 2019 renewal of the oldest Classic, and about to be 247 years’ old.

The aim of the day was to engage with National Racehorse Week, but also to reconnect the City with the racecourse, and the race itself. The fact that the King may have a runner on Saturday caused a huge amount of excitement among the young visitors and many were clamoring to be able to come and watch.

Sam reiterated how proud the children should be of Doncaster, the racecourse and the St Leger, and, judging by the Racing to School feedback forms collected at the end of the day, this was a message that was wholeheartedly absorbed.