City farm members to have a day at the races

Children from London will be able to enjoy a day at the races thanks to a new partnership between the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and a number of city farms.

Children aged 12-16 from Deen City Farm in Merton, Kentish Town City Farm in Camden and Mudchute Park and Farm on the Isle of Dogs have been invited to spend a day at Kempton Park, Lingfield Park and Newmarket racecourses.

London city farms offer children and their families a rare chance to experience the countryside without having to leave London.

The farms offer wide-open spaces, animals and other activities, including riding lessons and volunteer programmes. They encourage a sense of community and improve awareness of animals and farming.

The children will have a full behind-the-scenes tour and learn about career opportunities within the industry.

Michelle Douglas, industry recruitment associate at the BHA, said: “Each of the racecourses involved has been extremely supportive and we are grateful for their help in creating such an opportunity for these young people, many of whom otherwise wouldn’t have the chance to enjoy such an opportunity.”

Simone Uncle from Kentish Town City Farm said: “This is a unique opportunity for kids to learn more about working with horses. In the current economic climate, young people are really being hit hard with lack of job opportunities and direction; this trip could prove to have a very real and positive impact on their futures. We are really looking forward to it.”

Joanna Henbrey from Deen City Farm added: “Our members are all really keen and two of them even cancelled a holiday so that they could come racing! It’s great to be able to offer them something that they haven’t seen before without spending a fortune”.

The scheme is part of British Horseracing’s Racing Together Community Strategy, which includes projects that take place across the country — ranging from education schemes with school children, to partnerships with charities such as the Prince’s Trust.

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