Ascot Race Day Experience
A group of 14 students from Slough and Eton
Church of England Business and Enterprise College attended Ascot’s
Christmas Raceday as the result of the partnership between
The Prince’s Trust and the British Horseracing Authority.
The aim of the day was to introduce the
students to the racing industry, to make them aware of the range of
employment opportunities that exist within the sport.
The day began with an introduction by
Ascot Chief Executive Charles Barnett and was followed by a number
of sessions with the people who contribute to the running of a
raceday. The students were then given the fantastic opportunity to
walk the track with the Clerk of the Course, accompany the Starter
to his position and visit the Weighing Room, gaining an exclusive
insight into the world of racing.
The partnership between the BHA and The
Prince’s Trust was launched in November 2008, and aims to reward
students who have successfully participated in The Prince’s Trust
xl clubs, which are run in schools nationwide for pupils in Years
10 and 11 who are at risk of truanting and underachievement. xl
Club members have visited Beverley, Doncaster, Ffos Las, York,
Fontwell Park, Newmarket and Down Royal racecourses to date, with
many more visits planned.
Racing directly employs over 20,000 people,
with another 70,000 working in related sectors, so it has a
significant impact on communities up and down the country – no
other sport employs so many people across such a wide range of jobs
and locations. We, as a sport, want to use this network to help
young people and we are grateful to the racecourses and industry
employees who have been delighted to offer their resources to such
a worthy cause.
Nic Coward, Chief
Executive of the British Horseracing Authority