My Racing Role: Carrie Ford, Racing to School

Carrie Ford, Regional Education Officer at Racing to School

What is Racing to School and how is it funded?

Racing to School is an education charity that delivers free, interactive educational events for young people. We use racing’s unique venues, like racecourses, studs and training yards as an outdoor classroom for curriculum-led learning and to help us introduce the next generation to horseracing.

Last year, we achieved a record 400 events to over 16,200 participants and we’re on track to surpass that this year. The charity is funded entirely by voluntary donations, and we receive fantastic support from the Levy Board, a number of other grant givers, plus racecourses and our schools.

You finished fifth in the 2005 Grand National on Forest Gunner. How did you make the transition to Racing to School?

I came out of retirement to ride in the Grand National; my daughter Hannah was one at the time. It was a year or so later when I first got involved with Racing to School, or BHEST as we were called then. I worked on a freelance basis initially, doing a couple of days per month, mainly at Aintree and Haydock. I soon realised what a fantastic initiative it was, introducing children to racing through education, so when the opportunity arose to join the team on a full-time basis, I literally jumped at the chance!

Tell us about your role?

As a Regional Education Officer, I’m responsible for organising and delivering our events across the north of England and Scotland and as far south as Leicester. During a typical racecourse event, we run activities in all areas, from the weighing room to the parade ring and even out onto the track itself, focusing predominantly on maths but covering most of the school curriculum.

I’m biased I know, but I think it’s a pretty cool way for pupils to learn and see how people apply all that subject knowledge in everyday life, particularly in their jobs. I like that I get to share my experience and knowledge of racing with the children, and adults, along the way.

We like to think we offer something unique and meaningful for all our young people, regardless of their background or academic profile – active, outdoor fun with strictly no screens. We aim to give everyone the chance to connect with the sport and the environment, while soaking in so much new information. We then hope that many of our groups will make their way back to a racecourse and develop a new interest in our great sport.

How can I get my child’s school involved?

There’s lots of information about all the Racing to School programmes on our website www.racingtoschool.co.uk and if you email [email protected] we will provide details on upcoming dates and availability. It’s great to welcome new schools on board!

How can owners get involved in Racing to School?

Our beneficiaries are easily spotted by the colourful silks they wear, and we are always grateful to receive new designs to be used at our activity days across the country. If you would like to donate some silks or find out about other ways to get involved, contact Jen Gates at [email protected].