Aintree To Pilot New Community Project

As part of Racing Together, a project to create, coordinate and communicate British Racing’s community outreach, Aintree racecourse has been launched as the pilot ‘Beacon Racecourse’.

As the first Beacon Racecourse in the country, Aintree – home to the Crabbie’s Grand National – will launch a number of projects in the coming year focusing initially on educational activities for local pupils.

These will include providing careers training, hands on pony days and work experience opportunities at the famous course. Each of the projects will be delivered by racecourse staff and others working within racing and are designed to give something back to the local community.

A series of ambassadors for the project, including young jockeys Lucy Alexander and Saul Woods, as well as Carrie Ford, who rode Forest Gunner to win the Aintree Foxhunter’s Chase in 2004, will also participate in a number of the activities.

The Racecourse Association and Racing Together chairman Ian Barlow said: “The beacon racecourse is a key platform to make real the Racing Together project. A big thanks to the Aintree team for being the first to adopt the programme by becoming a hub for engagement with Liverpool’s communities. I am sure that the participating children will learn a great deal about our fantastic sport and the exciting jobs we offer while improving their school learning. I hope some might even be future champions.”

Lucy Alexander, ambassador for the Racing Together Programme added: “I am delighted to be a part of the Beacon Racecourse initiative at Aintree. It is a great platform to demonstrate the vast number of careers available within British Racing whilst also providing local children with an exciting addition to their regular school work. It is important for young people to have their options clearly presented to them, and racing can provide a great career. I look forward to participating in some of the activities later this year!”