Racing charities on to a winner as Newmarket's Henry Cecil Open Weekend raises record funds

A first ever opening of John and Thady Gosden's yard and a rare chance to look behind the scenes at Sir Mark Prescott's Heath House helped generate a remarkable 68 per cent increase in the amount of money raised for charity at this year's Henry Cecil Open Weekend in Newmarket.

The two-day event in September, which was notably busier than a year ago, yielded a massive £89,196 which is to be split between the Newmarket Housing Trust, this year's main beneficiary, and Racing Welfare.

Following the introduction of a revised format in which trainers were asked to open on a bi-annual basis, the Gosdens and Prescott were among 26 stables open on September 22.

The plan is for the 20-plus yards that did not open this year to do so in 2025, including a first opening of Somerville Lodge, home to William Haggas.

Charlie Fellowes, chairman of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said: "To have raised such an incredible amount of money, more than we have ever raised before, is testament to all those involved in the weekend, and I'm thrilled we can support such a worthy cause in the Newmarket Housing Trust, a critical new project.

"The event had been punching below its weight until now and I was delighted with how the new format worked out. I can't wait for William Haggas to open up in 2025 when I intend to be first in the queue!'

Sir Mark Prescott welcomes visitors at this year's Henry Cecil Open Weekend

An array of other equine sites were also open for the public to explore across the two days, and many visitors stayed over, providing a boost to the local hotel industry.

The weekend culminated on The Severals, when trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy dominated the My Pension Expert racing personality showjumping competition to take home both the individual and team trophy alongside Toby Moore, Sophie Moore and Grace McEntee.

Prizes were generously donated by World Pool for the 'best turned out yard' in their relevant categories, which were won by Marco Botti, William Knight and James Horton.

The Newmarket Housing Trust is run by the Newmarket Trainers Group to create a portfolio of much-needed accommodation across the town for racing staff.

Ed Dunlop, chairman of the Newmarket Trainers Group, said: "The 2024 event saw an increased sponsorship commitment from Juddmonte and the Niarchos family in their support of the weekend.

"Both generous sponsorships are particularly poignant as Sir Henry Cecil, the legendary trainer after whom the Open Weekend is named, trained Juddmonte's champion sire Frankel to ten Group 1 victories. The Niarchos family were long-term allies of Sir Henry, enjoying Classic success in the 2007 Oaks with Light Shift."

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