MEMORIES of my childhood came flooding back this week with the announcement that racing is to make itself more enticing to young people.

Chepstow is an important cog in the wheel, as not only is the course taking part in the first ever National Student Raceday, it has launched a free kids’ club too.

As a child, I was hooked and my fascination with horses stemmed from riding lessons.

My parents used to go racing and took me along.

There was no happier place than being perched on dad’s shoulders, my eyes glued to the runners in the paddock and as they battled their way to the line.

And, you may laugh, but I could read the form like a pro aged 11.

I needed no extra incentives to make the sport exciting, but the Young Hooves Club is just the sort of thing which could strike a chord with some youngsters who don’t enjoy such an introduction.

On joining, they receive a welcome goody bag with binoculars, certificate and membership badge, quizzes and sheets about horses.

They will be sent newsletters and birthday treats and at family fun days, face-painting, inflatables, circus workshops and visits from TV characters will be amongst the entertainment.

And Chepstow will be expecting a big turnout of students on October 26 as it is one of six locations giving them a day of sport for £10.

Young people are the lifeblood of the industry and it’s great to get them on board.

It’s important the vibe at meetings doesn’t deteriorate in terms of excessive alcohol consumption, given they are strong fixtures for regular racegoers.

But I’m no party pooper, I think on the whole these two initiatives are great and, even better, racing’s freshest ideas are being brought to our local track.

Monmouthshire trainer Ron Harris makes his annual raid on the Curragh this weekend with two of his stable stars.

Judge' n Jury, a habitual runner in the Sapphire Stakes joins Secret Witness in the stalls at 5.50.

The pair came second and fourth respectively in last year's renewal, but Harris would like to see more rain at the track in the build-up.

Speaking from Ireland on Friday Harris said: “It’s a privilege to have runners here. It's Irish Derby weekend and it’s one of the best meetings. They (his runners) are professional hardened handicappers and we have to take our chances."

Harris’ Prodigality has also been sent over across the Irish Sea and contests the Paddy Power Sprint at 4.45.

Handsome Man looks like he has a big race in him and it could be the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle this afternoon (3.15).

Touched off in his two starts this term, the four-year-old is drawn handily in box two, unlike his old rival Montaser, who has the widest berth.

Mashaari is another who takes the eye at the foot of the handicap.

Producer is the day’s other selection (Newmarket 3.30).