PUPILS from St Luke’s Primary School in Kilwinning enjoyed a behind the scenes visit to Ayr Racecourse recently organised by the education charity Racing To School.

Under the watchful eye of Racing To School Education Officers Carrie Ford and Jo McCain the 28 pupils toured the Weighing Room and saw the equipment used by jockeys.

They also went out to see the final furlong of the track and had a close up look at the last fence.

The excited youngsters also donned jockey silks and Carrie and Jo explained to them many aspects of horse racing and each was given a workbook that focuses on numeracy and literacy and contains a range of resources that supports the delivery of interactive outdoor learning.

The pupils and teachers are encouraged to continue working with the racing-themed books back in school. A jockeys’ diet was also explained to them and the visit ended with a question and answer session.

Carrie Ford said: “The pupils had a fantastic time. They all came well prepared for the weather and thoroughly enjoyed being VIPs for the day, going behind the scenes and taking part in fun maths related activities.”

Charlotte McMahon , a teacher at St Luke’s, said: “We enjoyed our day and learned so much about racing. The children all loved it and know a lot more about racing having visited the course.”

Pupil Hannah Hood said : “I enjoyed watching the horses racing and I learned about imperial and metric measurement.”

Another pupil enthralled by the insight into racing was Zara Brotherston, who said: “It was amazing, I enjoyed wearing the jockey’s jackets and learnt that there are two types of racing - flat and jump.”