IT’S more recognised for the thunder of hooves but next week it’s the sound of schoolchildren which will be attracting attention at Thirsk Racecourse.

North Yorkshire racecourses and North Yorkshire Sports Partnerships are collaborating to stage winter races for primary school children at the track on Monday.

The Thirsk School Sports Partnership Primary Cross-Country Championships will see some 400 children from Years 3 to 6 taking part in four races, two each for boys and girls from 10.30am.

The younger children will race over 1,200 metres (about three quarters of a mile) with the older ones racing over the metric mile of 1,500 metres.

The races are team events with schools allowed to enter a maximum of ten children, but only their first four will score. The lowest aggregate will win each race.

The championships are being run by Sports Partnership staff with the help of young leaders from Thirsk School and Sixth Form College.

Christopher Tetley, manager of Thirsk Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help the local schools with this innovative event and, who knows, the runners of today may become the racegoers of tomorrow.”