Students preserve a cherished piece of Epsom’s racing heritage by restoring a memorial bench dedicated to legendary jockey Pat Eddery.
Students from Nescot’s alternative provision program, got the opportunity to develop practical woodworking and restoration skills while making a meaningful contribution to their local community and one of the town’s most iconic sporting venues.
Following the restoration, the students were invited to Epsom Downs Racecourse to see the bench proudly reinstated in its home within the Parade Ring.
We were delighted to involve Nescot’s students in this project. The restoration of the Pat Eddery memorial bench is a wonderful example of how local organisations can work together to preserve the heritage of Epsom Downs while creating valuable learning opportunities for young people. The students have done an outstanding job – the bench looks absolutely fantastic and is a fitting tribute to one of racing’s greatest jockeys. We are proud to see it back in the Parade Ring where racegoers, owners, trainers and jockeys can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”
The visit also included a special VIP tour of the historic Queen Elizabeth II Stand, led by Julie Kapsalis MBE, Principal and CEO of Nescot and member of the Epsom Downs Racecourse Committee. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the racecourse’s history and operations, Julie guided the students through areas rarely seen by the public, providing a fascinating insight into what goes into staging one of the world’s most famous horse racing events.
Following the same route taken by their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during their recent visit to the Betfred Derby Festival, students made their way through the stands to the Royal Box balcony, where they enjoyed panoramic views across the racecourse.
The bench restoration project forms part of a growing partnership between Nescot and The Jockey Club, built on a shared commitment to support the local community and create meaningful opportunities for students.
Projects like this are a fantastic example of how education and industry can come together to benefit both students and the wider community. Our students have shown tremendous dedication in restoring this important memorial, gaining valuable practical skills while helping to preserve a piece of Epsom’s unique heritage.
