Local children attend 'go racing' day in Kilbeggan

Over 100 pupils from national schools in Westmeath attended a ‘Go Racing Kids’ Club’ Day which was organised by Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) at Kilbeggan Racecourse yesterday (Thursday) morning.

The fifth and sixth class pupils took part in demonstrations from RACE (Racing Academy & Centre of Education) and heard talks from Assistant Trainer to Irish Grand National winning trainer Dot Love, Ciaran Murphy, and National Hunt Jockey Robbie McNamara. The pupils also met Racecourse Manager Paddy Dunican, who explained how the team at Kilbeggan Racecourse prepares for a race day.

The participating schools included Rosemount National School, Kilbeggan National School and Castletown Geoghegan National School.

The objective of the ‘Go Racing Kids’ Club’ initiative is to build ties between the racecourses and their local community, encouraging an affinity with racing. The activities educate school children about racing and show them what happens behind the scenes at the racecourse.

All the pupils received a ‘Go Racing Kids’ Club’ goodie bag at the end of the day which included complimentary tickets to the races at Kilbeggan this Sunday, June 2, which is Family Day.

Paddy Dunican, Manager of Kilbeggan Racecourse commented: “Kilbeggan Racecourse was delighted to be part of the ‘Go Racing Kid’s Club’. It was great to see the enthusiasm all the children showed towards the initiative. We are looking forward to meeting the kids and their parents at the races this Sunday for our Family Day meeting.'