Year 9 had a fantastic visit to Hexham Racecourse today which was organised by the charity Racing To School.
Carrie and Gareth from Racing to School shared their expertise and knowledge of the racing industry to deliver a bespoke STEM and careers active learning event. Students were given plenty of different opportunities to apply their maths skills in a practical way- from visiting the weighing room and estimating weight for handicapping, to working out the maximum number of horses allowed in the parade after measuring the perimeter distance using trundle wheels.
Another key focus of the visit was to find out about the many different career pathways, race day roles, and responsibilities within British horse racing. Some of these included: clerk of the scales, handicapper, commentator, jockey's valet, photo finish operator and VT technician alongside the more well-known jobs such as jockeys, grooms, trainers, and veterinary staff.
Students were delighted to meet and interview 20-year-old jockey Will Maggs, who was riding the number 11 horse 'Culzean' in the special Racing To School Maiden Hurdle Race. Prior to this race, students also had the privilege of judging the best turned out horse, which wasn't an easy task! Eventually, they awarded the prize to number 10 'Comedaygoday'.
Despite the blustery and slightly chilly weather, we all had a great day out at Hexham racecourse and the session undoubtedly improved our knowledge and understanding of the British Horseracing sector. Thank you, Racing to School, for providing such a wonderful opportunity for our students and also Hexham Racecourse for offering such excellent hospitality.