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Newbury Racecourse is excited to unveil a new initiative giving school-age children and their families the opportunity to experience the thrill of live racing free of charge. Launched with youngsters from Stockcross CE Primary School, the Racecourse’s newly named Schools’ Celebration Raceday is set to take place on Wednesday 26 August.

Alongside an afternoon’s racing, pupils, parents and family members will enjoy a range of fun, activities and entertainment off the track, including face painting, arts & crafts, interactive games and live music.

Pupils, across pre-primary, primary and secondary schools in Berkshire and the surrounding counties, are eligible to receive free admission – as part of Newbury Racecourse’s popular Under 18s go free scheme – and can claim free tickets for two adult family members, as well as heavily discounted tickets for additional family members.

A number of local schools are already on board with the initiative, with pupils and parents able to secure their place directly via the button below. Registration is open now and it takes less than 60 seconds to request the complimentary tickets on offer.

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Harry Walklin, Marketing Director at Newbury Racecourse, said: “We have a big summer in store and are looking forward to throwing the Racecourse’s doors open to pupils and parents from across the region on Wednesday 26 August.

“This summer’s Schools’ Celebration Raceday is another mark of our commitment to make Newbury’s racing experiences as accessible as possible and with so much to look forward to on the day it promises to be a memorable celebration.”

The initiative is taking place in partnership with Racing to School – the education charity inspiring young minds through healthy outdoor educational events at a variety of racing venues – who celebrate their 25th anniversary this year.

Racing to School is in regular attendance at Newbury and work with several schools across the region. The Schools’ Celebration Raceday is an opportunity to connect the charity’s programme with schools they have yet to support.

John Blake, CEO of Racing to School, said: “Newbury is a key partner with our work supporting young people’s learning, and we are very pleased to have increased our activity days at the racecourse in recent years.

“We are looking forward to supporting this new initiative during the summer break to widen the appeal of the sport and to create new connections with schools in the region.”

The announcement of the new initiative saw pupils at Stockcross CE Primary School meet Mahlervous, a retired racehorse who visited the school courtesy of Greatwood Charity to celebrate the news of free admission to racing on Wednesday 26 August.

Lynsey Paine, Year 5 & 6 Teacher at Stockcross CE Primary School, said: “I’ve been lucky enough to take my class to Newbury Racecourse as part of Racing to School’s activity in the past and Stockcross CE Primary School are thrilled to be part of this new initiative.

“We’re so lucky to have the Racecourse right on our doorstep and the children and their families will be really excited to enjoy a day there in August.”

Newbury Racecourse couldn’t be easier to get to, with free parking and an on-site train station. The Racecourse’s summer schedule is always a highlight with Gipsy King, Ronan Keating, Tinie Tempah and Jessie J all performing live after racing this July & August.

2026 FIXTURES