Special RACE Academy day at Curragh 10th August A special themed race day will be held at the Curragh on Sunday August 10th to mark the contribution and achievements of the Racing Academy & Centre of Education (RACE) since its establishment in 1973, The centre piece of the afternoon will be the inaugural Derek O´Sullivan Memorial Apprentice Handicap race to honour the memory of the late RACE Director who made such an important contribution to the training and development of young apprentices up until his untimely death in 2002. The Trainee Jockey programme at RACE has been in operation for over thirty years and produced more than 700 graduates, many of whom have gone on to great success in the racing industry in Ireland and abroad. All graduates and their families are warmly invited to attend this celebration on August 10th and the Curragh racecourse has kindly offered two free admission tickets to all past-pupils with further tickets, if required, available at a discounted price. It promises to be a great day, with a programme of themed events to include presentations and interviews with various graduates between races, some video footage of the past and present as RACE has evolved from apprentice centre to national academy, a hospitality area for guests and the opportunity to catch up with former classmates and other graduates. It is intended to highlight the various career paths taken by graduates not just as flat jockeys but also as jump jockeys, trainers, grooms, breeders, instructors and other roles within the broader industry. A large turnout is expected on the day, including some international visitors, and every effort is being made to contact graduates going right back to 1973. Tickets for this special day may be secured by phoning Linda at RACE (045-522468)
