Children from pony clubs all over Scotland were treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes access at Perth Racecourse.
Kitted-out in full jockey silks, the children aged between 10 and 15, got a true taste of the action as they helped muck out the stables, watch the weigh-in and take a walk around the course.
The recent visit was organised by charity, Racing Together, whose Racing to School programme takes young people to courses, trainers’ yards and studs across the UK every year, giving them insight into the racing industry and what it has to offer as a leisure activity and future career.
Visiting during Perth Racecourses’ inaugural golf day, the children joined crowds of up to 2,000 and were treated to some jump racing with champion jockey Richard Johnson in the thick of the action. The pony club members now have the opportunity to bring their families back to Perth Racecourse for a complimentary day out.
Hazel Peplinski, chief executive of Perth Racecourse said: “Inspiring our next generation of jockeys, trainers and fans is extremely important and that’s why we are always delighted to showcase behind the scenes to a young audience.
“There’s nothing more amazing than seeing a fully fit thoroughbred in the flesh up close for the very first time and hopefully some of the pony club members that attended will have been captivated by what they’ve seen here.”
Perth Racecourse’s next fixture is its summer carnival on Saturday, August 19.
