Well, what a cracking day we had! Glorious weather, great company, and the warmest of welcomes from the team at Racing to School and Newbury Racecourse.
A huge shout-out to the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire for sorting the mini-bus hire via Handy-bus—and of course to our brilliant volunteer drivers, who got us there and back in one piece, all smiles.
We were treated to a proper behind-the-scenes look at the racecourse. It’s not every day you get to nose around the stables, watch the racehorses arriving, stride around the parade ring, and even hop on the jockeys’ weighing scales. (No comment on the numbers!) We then walked the course—and, naturally, ended up racing each other over a furlong. Safe to say we’re not all ready for Cheltenham just yet.
The afternoon kicked off with a chat from top jockey Oisin Murphy before we soaked up the action of five races. There were even chances to meet stars of the weighing room, Holly Doyle, James Doyle, and a few others who were generous with their time and smiles. The day wrapped up with a cheeky selfie alongside Matt Chapman from Sky Sports Racing—well, it’d be rude not to.
This brilliant trip was put together for young people involved with Lambourn Youth Junction, the village’s only youth club. Run by volunteers and supported by local community partners, the club provides a safe, welcoming space for young people aged 10 to 18. From fitness and sport to creative arts and days out like this one, the Junction is all about fun, learning and friendship.
Special thanks to all our Youth Junction volunteers—without you, none of this would’ve happened. Judging by the laughter, you had just as much fun as the young people.
We’re back in session on Monday for our Year 5 and 6 gang. Come and test your jockey fitness, challenge yourself on Jeff—our ever-popular mechanical horse—and have a go at designing your own racing silks. Who knows? You might be the next big thing in the saddle.
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