Spanish exchange student at Athlone Community College wins From Foal to Race TY programme
02/07/2024
Martina Agullo Gonzalez and her classmates at the programme's prize giving ceremony at Roscommon Racecourse
Martina Agulló González, a Spanish exchange student from Athlone Community College, has been crowned the From Foal To Race transition year (TY) programme winner with her drawing titled ‘That long-awaited race’.
The From Foal to Race TY programme allowed students to express their learnings from the module in any form and as Martina’s first language is not English, she decided to draw a picture as her reflection.
Martina won €1000 for her school and she and her classmates took part in a special behind the scenes tour to Roscommon Racecourse on May 20 which included a tour of the stable yard and the jockeys’ weigh room where they met apprentice jockey Robert Whearty who spoke to the group about the life of a jockey, his day-to-day routine and his career aspirations.
The Clerk of the Course Lorcan Wyer brought the students on a track walk to understand how the racing surface is maintained before, during and after a race meeting. The group also visited the IRIS outside broadcast truck to see the technology used to bring the racing pictures from the track to TV screens and smart devices around the world.
The From Foal to Race TY programme was established in 2022 by equuip, Horse Racing Ireland’s education and training division and Agri Aware and is structured to create a learning experience for both student and teacher to enhance understanding and interest in all things horse racing.
For the 2023/2024 academic year, 4,636 students and 155 teachers from 118 schools around the country participated in From Foal to Race TY programme. The programme includes six chapters including horse-care basics, making a racehorse, breeding and stud farms. Students also participated in a series of interactive webinars and submitted a group project to complete the programme. In addition, the programme also covered transferable skills of group work, debate, public speaking, and research.
Competition winner, Martina, commented: "As English is not my first language, I was delighted I could still participate in the From Foal to Race TY programme and submit a drawing as my project. Horse racing is something that is seen all over the world and it was very cool to experience it in Ireland.”
Megan Murphy, teacher at Athlone Community College, said: “The 'From Foal to Race' programme by Agri Aware and equuip proved to be an incredibly informative module, offering students a unique insight into the world of horse racing. Throughout the programme, students had the opportunity to enhance their skills both individually and collaboratively. The structure of the module fostered teamwork and personal development, culminating in a rich learning experience.
“We were particularly thrilled to see Martina win the competition with her beautiful drawing, a testament to her creativity and dedication. The day out at Roscommon Racecourse was a highlight for everyone involved. The staff at Agri Aware, equuip and Roscommon Racecourse were exceptionally kind and passionate, which made the experience even more enjoyable for the students.
“This programme has not only deepened our understanding of horse racing but also ignited a passion for the sport among the students. We look forward to participating in this competition again in the future and are excited about the new opportunities it will bring.”
Elaine Burke, equuip Manager, commented: “Since its inception, The From Foal to Race programme has gone from strength to strength and our partnership with Agri Aware offers us a unique platform to engage with second level students, to enhance their understanding of the horse racing and breeding industry and the many career options available. Big congratulations must go to Martina – she is a hugely talented artist and we were delighted she and her classmates enjoyed the programme so much.”
“Well done to Martina once again and to all students and their teachers for their excellent submissions this year. We look forward to rolling out the programme once again for the upcoming academic year.”
The runner-up prizes went to Aoibhinn Doyle from Ramsgrange Community School in Wexford for her project titled ‘A win for Rachel Blackmore and Madison McCallon, Kayleigh Corcoran, Begona Poblete and Lubov Murtagh from Moate Community School in Westmeath for their project ‘A *neigh*zing journey’ who all won a family pass for the Irish National Stud in County Kildare and Fethard Horse Country Experience in County Tipperary.
Agri Aware Executive Director Marcus O’Halloran, said: “First of all, congratulations to Martina on her fantastic artwork titled ‘That long awaited race’ that was chosen as a worthy winner for 2024. The From Foal to Race programmes gives great opportunities for students to learn all about the horse racing industry here in Ireland and the journey of the thoroughbred horse from a foal to competing on the racecourse.
“2024 saw schools from 26 counties register for the programme, seeing 4,636 students across 18 schools join us on the From Foal to Race journey.
TO REGISTER FOR THE 2024/2025 SCHOOL YEAR- CLICK HERE
The From Foal to Race TY programme allowed students to express their learnings from the module in any form and as Martina’s first language is not English, she decided to draw a picture as her reflection.
Martina won €1000 for her school and she and her classmates took part in a special behind the scenes tour to Roscommon Racecourse on May 20 which included a tour of the stable yard and the jockeys’ weigh room where they met apprentice jockey Robert Whearty who spoke to the group about the life of a jockey, his day-to-day routine and his career aspirations.
The Clerk of the Course Lorcan Wyer brought the students on a track walk to understand how the racing surface is maintained before, during and after a race meeting. The group also visited the IRIS outside broadcast truck to see the technology used to bring the racing pictures from the track to TV screens and smart devices around the world.
The From Foal to Race TY programme was established in 2022 by equuip, Horse Racing Ireland’s education and training division and Agri Aware and is structured to create a learning experience for both student and teacher to enhance understanding and interest in all things horse racing.
For the 2023/2024 academic year, 4,636 students and 155 teachers from 118 schools around the country participated in From Foal to Race TY programme. The programme includes six chapters including horse-care basics, making a racehorse, breeding and stud farms. Students also participated in a series of interactive webinars and submitted a group project to complete the programme. In addition, the programme also covered transferable skills of group work, debate, public speaking, and research.
Competition winner, Martina, commented: "As English is not my first language, I was delighted I could still participate in the From Foal to Race TY programme and submit a drawing as my project. Horse racing is something that is seen all over the world and it was very cool to experience it in Ireland.”
Megan Murphy, teacher at Athlone Community College, said: “The 'From Foal to Race' programme by Agri Aware and equuip proved to be an incredibly informative module, offering students a unique insight into the world of horse racing. Throughout the programme, students had the opportunity to enhance their skills both individually and collaboratively. The structure of the module fostered teamwork and personal development, culminating in a rich learning experience.
“We were particularly thrilled to see Martina win the competition with her beautiful drawing, a testament to her creativity and dedication. The day out at Roscommon Racecourse was a highlight for everyone involved. The staff at Agri Aware, equuip and Roscommon Racecourse were exceptionally kind and passionate, which made the experience even more enjoyable for the students.
“This programme has not only deepened our understanding of horse racing but also ignited a passion for the sport among the students. We look forward to participating in this competition again in the future and are excited about the new opportunities it will bring.”
Elaine Burke, equuip Manager, commented: “Since its inception, The From Foal to Race programme has gone from strength to strength and our partnership with Agri Aware offers us a unique platform to engage with second level students, to enhance their understanding of the horse racing and breeding industry and the many career options available. Big congratulations must go to Martina – she is a hugely talented artist and we were delighted she and her classmates enjoyed the programme so much.”
“Well done to Martina once again and to all students and their teachers for their excellent submissions this year. We look forward to rolling out the programme once again for the upcoming academic year.”
The runner-up prizes went to Aoibhinn Doyle from Ramsgrange Community School in Wexford for her project titled ‘A win for Rachel Blackmore and Madison McCallon, Kayleigh Corcoran, Begona Poblete and Lubov Murtagh from Moate Community School in Westmeath for their project ‘A *neigh*zing journey’ who all won a family pass for the Irish National Stud in County Kildare and Fethard Horse Country Experience in County Tipperary.
Agri Aware Executive Director Marcus O’Halloran, said: “First of all, congratulations to Martina on her fantastic artwork titled ‘That long awaited race’ that was chosen as a worthy winner for 2024. The From Foal to Race programmes gives great opportunities for students to learn all about the horse racing industry here in Ireland and the journey of the thoroughbred horse from a foal to competing on the racecourse.
“2024 saw schools from 26 counties register for the programme, seeing 4,636 students across 18 schools join us on the From Foal to Race journey.
TO REGISTER FOR THE 2024/2025 SCHOOL YEAR- CLICK HERE
The 'From Foal to Race' programme by Agri Aware and equuip proved to be an incredibly informative module, offering students a unique insight into the world of horse racing.