Pupils from Réalt na Mara Boys' National School, in Donacarney, Mornington took part in a special Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Juniors education day at Laytown Strand on Monday of this week.  

Over 100 primary school children got to go behind the scenes at the famous beach racecourse where the annual race meeting takes place on Thursday September 4 this year.

They met Danny the horse who is owned by Laytown man local Karl Allen and also Meath-based trainer Stephen Thorne who explained what his job entails as well as a typical day-to-day routine for his racehorses, their exercise schedule and diet, and how he prepares them to run in a race.

Stephen tacked-up Danny with a saddle, head collar and bridle to demonstrate the process of getting a horse ready to race, ensuring both the rider’s safety and the horse's comfort.

Current Champion Flat Apprentice jockey James Ryan was on hand to talk to the children about life as a jockey and showed them the kit jockeys wear including boots, back-protector, helmet and saddle.

Farrier Cathal Tuite, who gave the children a shoeing demonstration with Danny, explained the role of the farrier and the special skills and equipment required to treat racehorses’ hooves.

Racecourse Chairman Joe Collins took the children on a beach walk to see first-hand how the team prepare Laytown Strand for racing, while riding instructor Niall Byrne from the Racing Academy and Centre of Education, was on hand to give the children an opportunity to ride a racehorse simulator.

“We had a wonderful day on Monday hosting our HRI Racing Juniors education day here at Laytown” said Laytown Racecourse Manager, Jessica Cahalan. “The children’s energy and enthusiasm was fantastic and they were really interested to learn about all the various aspects of a race day and meet our current Champion Flat Apprentice Jockey James Ryan and racehorse trainer Stephen Thorne. We are looking forward to welcoming all the children and their families back to our race-meeting on Thursday September 4.”

HRI Racing Juniors education days are free to attend. To register your school’s interest for a HRI Racing Juniors education day at your local racecourse in 2025, please email: hriracingjuniors@hri.ie