As part of the recent scheme started by the British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust, children from the Kipling Avenue schoool were invited to go behind the scenes at the venue and learn how maths plays an important role in a jockey's life.

Former national hunt jockey Ollie McPhail was on hand to outline the handicapping system used in horse racing and then tested the year four and five children's mental arithmetic by asking questions on metric measurements and their imperial equivalents.

Deputy headteacher Richard Hawkins said: "This has been a fantastic activity for the children.

"Despite the racecourse being on their doorstep, most of them have never been.

"They have been learning maths today without even realising it and have all been so enthusiastic and eager to ask questions."
The afternoon was all about the racing.

The children assessed the horses in the parade ring and then watched the first two races of the day.

Year six pupil Shane Ireland said: "I have had a really good day and have really enjoyed myself.

"It was interesting to see how jockeys can use maths and I think it is very useful for us to come on trips like this, instead of going on geography and town-study trips."

They were also allowed access to the jockey's weighing room, usually strictly off limits, thanks to racecourse managing director Huw Williams:

He said: "It is fantastic when you can link education with the racecourse by giving a different slant on their subjects and teaching in a new setting. The children showed a tremendous level of enthusiasm."