Hotfoot it to Haydock to learn about Horseracing

Hotfoot it to Haydock to learn about Horseracing

More young equestrian fans than ever before will get the chance to discover the exciting sport of horseracing in 2018, with QIPCO British Champions Series and The Pony Club further extending their commitment to engage the younger generation in the sport by involving the North-West in the partnership’s activity.

On Saturday 26th May, Haydock Park Racecourse will play host to one of two ‘Kickstart’ days for the first time. The ‘Kickstart’ days, which were launched in 2017, aim to engage children and teenagers in horseracing at the beginning of the summer and encourage them to nurture their interest during the holidays.

Newmarket Racecourse will host the other of the two ‘Kickstart’ days on Sunday 6th May at the QIPCO Guineas Festival, which stages Britain’s first two ‘Classic’ races.

As in previous years, the activity will then return to QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday 20th October at Ascot Racecourse. The ‘Fan Zone in association with the Pony Club’ will stage a wide range of fun and educational activities alongside the best horseracing that Britain has to offer.

The activities on offer at each of the three racedays give under 18s the opportunity to earn their Horseracing Certificate. This is done by attending a bitesize lesson at the Jockey School, meeting an ex-racehorse, learning about the tack and kit used for racing and completing a behind-the-scenes tour of the racecourse. In addition, Pony Club members will get the chance to earn their Introduction to Pony Racing badge.

At each of the three venues there will also be the opportunity to learn about career prospects within racing, such as Pony Racing and further education at the British Racing School or Northern Racing College. A wide range of organisations are involved in the staging of the three days, including Careers In Racing, Racing To School and the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art.

A ticket promotion will be offered to parents who wish to bring Pony Club members to Newmarket and/or Haydock, with under 18s going free.

For more information and to register your interest in one or more of the days, visit http://www.pcuk.org/bcd/new/

Suzanne Ashton

Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.