Community cohesion group and Castle School bring first-time racegoers to Newbury Racecourse

Hundreds of first-time racegoers enjoyed a slightly different day at the races.

Cohesion group Community United and The Castle School in Newbury teamed up with Newbury Racecourse to create an accessible raceday for all groups.

People from a number of different nationalities, faiths and cultural backgrounds enjoyed a day at the races on August 29.

Community United – who work across the district to promote inclusivity – organised a programme of activities and performances hosted before the afternoon racing.

This included music, dance and poetry contributed by performers from Zimbabwe, Cameroon, India and Afghanistan.

Castle School pupils, and their families, were able to make use of the art multi-sensory unit delivered by Rhino UK in partnership with Racing Together.

World of work manager at Castle School Louisa McClure thanked the racecourse for its complimentary invitations to pupils.

She said: “For the majority of those who attended it was their first opportunity to enjoy live horse racing.

“We know that the families who did attend have created lasting special memories.”

First-time racegoer Amala Prabhu said: “It was a really enjoyable day out.

“I was happy to have had the opportunity to spend a day at the races with both my parents and my children, and we all had fun.’’

Community United director Alice Kunjappy-Clifton called the event a successful start to what the two groups hope will be a strong partnership.

She said: “The raceday brought communities together and helped show what racing is all about.

“Many in our community groups wouldn’t have had the opportunity to attend an event like this before and they had a really good time.

“The element which pleased me the most was to see the togetherness of everyone at the racecourse, smiling, laughing and enjoying the day’s entertainment.’’

The racecourse said it is keen to ensure that the positive impact of this event will extend to events in the future.

Chief executive Julian Thick said: “It is very important for us to ensure that a day at Newbury is as accessible as possible for as many people as possible.

“It was fantastic to welcome so many first-time racegoers and to read and hear the positive feedback from those who attended.

“It was a memorable day for the team here at Newbury and we look forward to more similar occasions in the future.”

Newbury Town Council leader Gary Norman was in attendance and echoed Mr Thick’s comments.

He said: “The programme of performances was fantastic and helped provide a markedly different experience on the raceday.

“There are a significant number of ethnic communities in West Berkshire and to see so many people from these diverse groups at the Racecourse, and enjoying the racing, was a really great thing.’’