Around 230 primary school children visited the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing in Newmarket to learn about the history of the sport and how it has shaped the town’s history.

Throughout June, the Palace House museum and art gallery hosted Year 5 students from nine primary schools from the area for the Godolphin Under Starter’s Orders education initiative.

Organised in three different sections, the pupils first got to experience a day at Dalham Stud, where they learnt about breeding, pedigrees and the ‘running of the stud’ from the racing to school team.

The children then visited Palace House, experiencing the Rothschild Yard and learning about the work of the Retraining of Racehorses charity.

They explored the Packard Galleries, the Maktoum Gallery of the Thoroughbred, listened to the tale of the Godolphin Arabian and learnt about silks. They also received a lesson from the dedicated education team, about how three Stuart Kings made Newmarket the home of horseracing it is today.

Gabrielle Bell, education officer at Palace House, said: “Palace House is passionate about learning and we are thrilled to be part of the Under Starter’s Orders education programme.

“It is wonderful to be engaging with local primary schools in such a meaningful and stimulating context.

“It is a unique experience which shows children the stories of Newmarket’s industry – past and present – and demonstrated how they are part of its next chapter.”

For the final trip of the programme, students went on to visit the renowned Newmarket July course, where they got to take part in a tour of the racecourse and experience the exciting atmosphere of a live race.

Sophie Able, general manager at Newmarket Racecourses, said: “We were delighted to host over 200 local primary school children here at the Adnams July Course to complete their three-day Godolphin Under Starter’s Orders programme.

“We hope they had a fantastic day out in the sunshine taking part in activities and of course, watching the racing.

“Newmarket Racecourses’ is fully committed to supporting the Under Starter’s Orders initiative and inspiring the next generation of racing fans, and we look forward to welcoming local students at our racecourses again soon.”

To find out more about the education programme at Palace House, visit: www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk/learning/schools