Racing to School’s Summer Newsletter 2025

Off to a flying start

As the school year draws to a close, the charity is proud to reflect on another record-breaking start to the year, supporting the learning of even more young people. In the last six months, the Racing to School team has delivered over 276 educational events across Britain, engaging 10,033 young people.

From a memorable first visit to Newsells Park Stud and student takeover days for beneficiaries of the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project, to our core programme of racecourse activity days – it has been an exciting few months for Racing to School.

Celebrating 10 years of the Aintree Beacon Project

This summer marked an important milestone for the Aintree Beacon Project which celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since launching in 2015, the project has enhanced the learning of around 1,600 local pupils each year, offering engaging curriculum-linked educational experiences for the pupils of Maricourt High School and some of its feeder Primaries, delivered with the help of the team at Aintree Racecourse.

In April, we held a Careers Insight Day for GCSE Hospitality students, a first for the Beacon, at Aintree Racecourse in the week leading up to one of their busiest racedays. Pupils explored behind the scenes of this major sporting venue, gaining real-world insight into the hospitality sector from the racecourse team, including the Jockey Club’s Hospitality Manager for the West Region, Mike Warrington.

Two of the Primary schools, St John Bosco Primary and Holy Rosary Catholic Primary joined in the celebrations on our first raceday event, with groups of Year 6 pupils enjoying activities around the racecourse before gates opened to the public. We were pleased to arrange for their families to join them to experience the thrill of the races, giving them all a well-deserved reward after SATs week.

Racing to School is already planning delivery of the Aintree Beacon Project for the next academic year and beyond. The programme owes much to the support of its original and current funders, The Racing Foundation and Anne Duchess of Westminster’s Fund. The work is focused on creating a lasting and positive impact for the young people it supports and strengthening links to the sport of horseracing that has helped shape their local area for generations.

Newsells Park Stud visit

In May, pupils from Edwinstree Middle School enjoyed a memorable day at Newsells Park Stud, a leading Thoroughbred breeding operation on the outskirts of Royston, Hertfordshire. The visit, delivered in partnership with the British Horseracing Authority, introduced young people to some of the careers on offer in the horseracing and breeding industry and was inspired by the showcase provided through the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA), sponsored by Godolphin.

The pupils toured the stud’s facilities, meeting celebrated stallions including Nathaniel and Without Parole, and hearing from David Porter-Mackrell – seen above – about the dedication needed to produce the horseracing stars of the future. The group was delighted to meet some of the stud’s mares and foals, guided by youngstock expert and 2025 TIEA finalist Kim Skolfield.

The day finished with a demonstration from Newsells Park’s farrier who explained the importance of caring for a horses’ hooves, followed by the chance to try Racing to School’s mechanical horse.

Welcome Frankie Foster to Racing to School’s team of Ambassadors

Earlier this year, we were delighted to welcome Frankie Foster to our team of Ambassadors where he joins other well-known industry names who are committed to supporting our work. Since coming on board, Frankie has supported a number of events, including a visit to Chester Racecourse for the May Festival and time spent with the team during our activities at Royal Ascot.

Best known for his media presence in the sport, Frankie brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm. His background in social media helps highlight new pathways for young people in racing, and his energy has helped engage and inspire pupils.

Frankie said: “I’m so lucky to join the Racing to School team. I’ve seen first-hand just how much the kids love a day at the races. Growing up, I didn’t have that chance—it wasn’t until I was old enough to go myself that I fell in love with the sport. So to see young people experience racing, meet the horses, and get excited is really special. It’s great to think that for some, this could be the start of their own journey into the sport. I’m thrilled to be an Ambassador.”

Spotlight on racing’s storytellers

One highlight of the term for pupils of the Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project (NAGBP) was the Media Day at Newmarket Racecourse, where they heard from industry professionals, including Racing to School Ambassador Frankie Foster and commentator Mike Cattermole, who shared insights into their own journeys into the world of racing media.

Pupils had the opportunity to shadow racecourse staff and experience a variety of roles, with some taking the chance to conduct interviews under the expert eye of
Rachel Candelora, American Racing Expert at Racing TV and learning what skills make a great journalist.

A special week at Royal Ascot

This June, Racing to School joined the team at Royal Ascot to introduce over 500 local pupils to an important part of their community’s heritage. The interactive activities, including use of our VR headsets and mechanical horses, gave the young participants the chance to experience the excitement of a race day from a jockey’s perspective. And they also got the chance to see the Royal procession!

During the week, the charity was honoured to be chosen as one of this year’s Britannia Stakes charity beneficiaries which is a key initiative supported by the Betting and Gaming Council. Proceeds from the race on Ladies’ Day are distributed among seven selected charities, and Racing to School will use these valuable funds to support the learning of even more young people through our educational programmes.

What’s coming up this summer

Although schools are breaking up for the summer holidays, our work doesn’t stop. Over the summer, we’ll be delivering a series of Horse and Pony Racing Introduction Sessions in partnership with the Pony Racing Authority through the Pathway into Pony Racing, giving young people a fun introduction to the sport.

We also look forward to taking part in National Racehorse Week again, offering even more opportunities for children and families to connect with horses and explore the world of racing.

Our team will attend all Racing League fixtures as charity partner this summer with our mechanical horses, jockey silks and some jockey kit to inform and engage racegoers. As the League’s founding charity partner, we look forward to seeing as many young people as possible at these family friendly events and good luck to all the teams competing!

With these activities and more on the horizon, next term we are on track to reach our milestone of working with 250,000 participants since the charity’s Education Programme began in 2001.

Thank you for your support

The continued support of our funders, partners and wider community allows the charity to continue supporting young people and providing unique access points to racing and its opportunities. We are very grateful to the Horserace Betting Levy Board, our racecourse partners, charitable trusts and donors, the Pony Club, participating schools, and the many individuals who champion our mission.

Your support helps us deliver meaningful educational experiences that inspire the next generation. To learn more, donate or get involved, visit racingtoschool.co.uk
or contact jen@racingtoschool.co.uk.

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