'Kiaran's Kids' outreach program begins sixth year on NYRA circuit

'Kiaran's Kids' outreach program begins sixth year on NYRA

circuit

"Kiaran's Kids," a youth mentoring and outreach program at

Belmont Park hosted by trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, is entering its sixth year on

the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit. The after school mentoring

program partners with Gateway Youth Outreach Inc. (GYO) of Elmont, New York, by

giving 15 students a behind-the-scenes look at what takes place at a race track.

Participating students range from first- to sixth-graders and visit McLaughlin's

barn at Belmont Park every other week for two hours after school.

"The kids are amazed when they see everything that goes

into Thoroughbred horseracing -- from learning what the horse chiropractor does

to watching a horseshoeing demonstration," said Pat Boyle, the executive

director of GYO for more than 25 years. "The cooperation that we receive from

NYRA is amazing; everyone that we meet welcomes us and is excited to show the

kids what they do."

"Kiaran's Kids" began in 2008 when GYO partnered with NYRA

and McLaughlin in a pilot program to "adopt a horse" that students visited and

helped care for during the school year. The program blossomed when McLaughlin, a

mainstay on the NYRA circuit, suggested that the kids visit on a more regular basis to learn about all

of the jobs that take place at the track.

"This wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of

Kiaran by sponsoring this program and letting his staff assist us," Boyle

stated.

Art Magnuson, McLaughlin's assistant trainer, and office

manager Cate Masterson not only show the students the daily barn routine, they

also set up visits with other departments both at Belmont and Aqueduct. "Kiaran's Kids" have visited the race stewards, the Horse

Identification office, the track announcer and the jockey's room.

"For Kiaran, Cate and me, it's been very rewarding. The

kids are always so excited and our doors are always open to them," Magnuson

remarked.

Earlier this month, the students visited NYRA racing

analysts and handicappers Andy Serling and Jason Blewitt during their show,

"Talking Horses," to learn how a live sports show is produced.

"Jason and I look forward to seeing Kiaran's Kids every year," Serling

said. "Their eagerness to learn, as evidenced by their many

questions and overall exuberance, is infectious."

The group also had the opportunity to tape a video clip

that aired on "Aqueduct in 30" on the MSG+ network.

"There is something really special about watching their eyes light up when

they're sitting in front of the camera and under the lights," Blewitt noted.

GYO is a community-based organization that has served the

Long Island community for more than 30 years through recreational and enrichment

activities targeting at-risk adolescents. For more information on Gateway Youth Outreach,

please call 516-328-1550.

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