Year 10 Leaders experience a day at Newcastle Race course.
As a reward for their hard work and efforts leading Year 7 lunch time activities, Mr Graham organised for the Year 10 young leaders to spend the day at the Newcastle Racecourse as part of the Racing for Schools Programme.
On Tuesday 15th September the select group arrived at the racecourse ready for a day of behind the scenes action.
We began the day in one of the grandest rooms in the race course where we were met by our host Toby Becton who works for the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust. Toby then led us down to the weighing room, where we learnt how important weight is for Jockeys, many being 8st or lighter!
A few brave pupils then jumped on the scales to size up against the potential physique needed to become a jockey!
We were then guided in to the dressing room, where we were able to look at and learn about the equipment that a jockey uses. From a saddle, to boots, to the expense of the silk coats we discovered what each accessory is used for.
A few volunteers then modelled the outfits as we were shown the sauna, a welcome experience on a cold day! The sauna is used to help Jockeys lose any excess weight before a big race.
After lunch, we went out on to the race course and had a race from the starting traps, a chance for Year 10 to demonstrate their competitive side.
Having learnt earlier how to read a race card, we were fortunate enough to get a first- hand viewing of some of the race horses before the first race began. Whilst we did not put any money on our favourite to win, we each cast our bet amongst the group, with a few students demonstrating their knowledge by coming first or second place!
The day was a huge success and it was a great reward for some very deserving young leaders. Thank you to Mr Graham for organising the day, and to Mr Lynn for escorting us there and back.