Odds-on that Festival Monday is here to stay – Cheltenham Activity Day a hit with local schools

In the week of the Cheltenham Festival, over 100 local young people descended on Prestbury Park for a special behind-the-scenes experience dubbed ‘Festival Monday’, cementing ties between the world-famous racing showpiece and the community. The third edition of the event, which is the brainchild of Jockey Club Racecourses and led by Racing to School, saw groups of Year 5 and 6 Primary children enjoy a day of learning across all corners of the racecourse, including areas always out of bounds to the public, such as the weighing room, pre-parade and parade rings.

The event is also supported by Gallagher Insurance and their Managing Director of Bloodstock, Sophie Chambers described the event as: “Such a great day and an even better partnership!  My favourite day of the week.”

Rebecca Rigby, a teacher at Dunalley Primary School, reflected on the day to charity Chief Executive, John Blake in the video below

Throughout the day, groups learnt about the history and importance of the Festival and in particular one of the world’s greatest races, The Gold Cup, through a series of tailored activities. Modern technology in the form of VR headsets allowed participants to experience riding in a race around Cheltenham, complemented by more traditional forms of learning, including a session with the racecourse’s Artist in Residence, Emily Johnson.

Later in the day, a group of young people from National Star College joined the day. The College has joined for each of the three years of this initiative and work with young people with disabilities to realise their potential through education and personalised learning opportunities.

A meet and greet with Freddie The Pony, who features in his own book- a copy of which each young person received a in gift bag – and retired racehorse Saphir Du Rheu proved to be a highlight of the day. They were certainly the most petted equines in the West Country!

It was not only equine stars making an appearance, as decorated jockey and Racing to School’s International Supporter, Rachael Blackmore joined ITV Racing anchor Ed Chamberlin to give an inspiring talk about her childhood and life in the saddle. Former jump jockeys Daryl Jacob and Tom Scudamore were also on hand to provide expert tuition and insight on the charity’s Equisicors, the mechanical self-propelled horses used for practising race-riding techniques.

Racing to School Chief Executive, John Blake said: “This is such a special day for the participating schools and National Star College, and one that Cheltenham racecourse and many of their Jockey Club colleagues have always embraced with enthusiasm. The fact that so many staff, broadcasters and jockeys give up their time to make the day so valuable and memorable is a tribute to everyone.

“We’ve said before that the decision in 2023 to open up the doors to the local community was brave and a breakthrough to show that racing is authentic in its desire to give back, even when it’s the busiest week of the year for the sport.”