Kids from a Peckham-based school were the first to take part in a week-long trip to a famous racecourse where they rode a horse for the first time.
The Riding A Dream Academy supports young people from diverse communities and disadvantaged backgrounds to get into racing. It was set up by Khadijah Mellah who made history by becoming the first British Muslim woman to win a UK horse race.
Harris Academy Peckham were first to take part in the Riding A Dream Academy Regional Week at Epsom Racecourse, which saw Year 10 students ride a horse for the first time.
The fact it was a Peckham school was particularly special for Khadijah, who grew up in the area.
She said: “I am so pleased that a school from my neighbourhood has been the first to take part in this new initiative for the Academy.”
“It has been great to see the students bond with the horses and find out that, no matter where you come from, there is a place for everyone within racing.”
Last week, ten students with no experience of racing or working with horses, had the chance to ride for the first time and look after five horses from the British Racing School.
It was held at Epsom Downs Racecourse, home to the world-famous Derby.
The students also visited Pat Phelan’s racing yard, undertook media training with ITV’s Oli Bell and learned about the history of the racecourse and The Derby’s status as the world’s most prestigious flat race.
The Regional Week is being rolled out thanks to funding from The Racing Foundation and is an extension to the Academy’s existing programmes. It is designed to broaden access to horses and the racing world by taking the Academy out to communities and schools.
Charlotte Evans, Assistant Principal at Harris Academy Peckham said, “Our students have had a spectacular week at Epsom racecourse. It has been truly wonderful to see their confidence grow.”
“We are very pleased to have been able to expand our students’ experiences. This is something that will stay with them for a lifetime.”
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