A group of 14 students from Slough and Eton College attended Ascot racecourse on Friday 19 November 2010, as the result of a partnership implemented between The Prince’s Trust and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
The students were given exclusive access to the racecourse in order to help develop their understanding of the horseracing industry, learn more about the opportunities available to them in racing, and most importantly – to experience the thrill of Britain’s most famous racecourse.
The day kicked off with an introduction from Ascot’s Chief Executive Charles Barnett before they were taken out onto the track with Clerk of the Course Chris Stickels.
Next stop was the Weighing Room, where pupils learned about the important roles of the Stewards and the Clerk of the Scales, before moving on to meet leading Jump Jockey Tom Scudamore who was on hand to give the students an exclusive lesson on the racecourse’s brand new mechanical horse.
With a morning full of new racing knowledge and admiration for the Jockeys, the students were then able to enjoy an afternoon of racing and autograph hunting. Firstly, a visit to the Parade Ring to select a horse, then off to the Winning Post where the students enthusiastically cheered on their horse to the line before making sure they took home a momento of the day with the autographs of the winning Jockeys.
Needless to say, the day left a group of students keen to return to the racecourse for a second time – and some even keener to consider future jobs in the industry!
Tom Keer, Head of Sport at The Prince’s Trust, said:
“We are delighted that racing has become a supporter of The Prince’s Trust. We have seen first-hand how sport can change young lives, helping to develop key workplace skills such as confidence, motivation, teamwork and discipline. Through our partners such as the British Horseracing Authority, we can continue to help thousands of young people through sport.”
Charles Barnett, Chief Executive of Ascot Racecourse, said:
“We are delighted to welcome The Prince’s Trust and students from Slough and Eton College to Ascot. By providing them with an insight of the work that goes on behind-the-scenes during a race day, we hope they will take away a greater knowledge of the industry and a few ideas about the opportunities that may exist for them within the sport.”
