A total of 127 transition year students from St Colman's College, Claremorris and Ballinrobe Community School, were treated to a educating behind-the-scenes at Ballinrobe racecourse on Tuesday last.
The students met with racecourse manager John Flannelly who explained to them about preparing for race days and the role of the racecourse in the community. John also took students on a tour of the racecourse.
Track foreman, Cathal Flannelly, discussed ground maintenance and management, while trainer Michael Grassick from the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, spoke to the students about life as a racehorse trainer and about how to prepare a horse for the races.
Patrick Ryan from HRI’s Careers and Racing Education (CARE ) department gave the students an overview of the racing industry and discussed potential employment options within the industry.
The objective of the HRI’s industry education day is to build ties between the racecourse and the local community and build on the growing interest in horse racing among students, creating opportunities to experience the sport in greater depth.
John Flannelly, Ballinrobe racecourse manager, commented: “We were delighted to welcome transition year students to Ballinrobe today. It gives us an opportunity to showcase our facilities, meet the team on the ground and educate students on what goes on behind the scenes. We are very fortunate to have great support from the local community and we look forward to welcoming these students back to Ballinrobe with their families and friends.”
