Rush hour commuters meet retired racehorse in Media City - and Vernon Kay makes a surprise appearance

Commuters in Salford had an unusual sight during Friday morning's rush hour when a racehorse hit the streets of Media City to kickstart National Racehorse Week.

Six-time winner Chase The Wind was accompanied by West Yorkshire trainer Jo Foster to meet members of the public at an event organised by Great British Racing.

A stable was erected for the 15-year-old, who since retiring has become a Retraining of Racehorses champion.

Jockey Faye McManoman showed off her skills on the Equicizer, Sam Dracott put on a farrier demonstration and BBC Radio 2's Vernon Kay paid a surprise visit.

National Racehorse Week, which is in its fourth year, officially starts on Saturday and runs through to Sunday week.

Vernon Kay with Jo Foster and Chase The Wind at Media CityCredit: Jon Super/PA Media Assignments

With more than 100 free events for the public to attend, its aim is to showcase the high levels of care provided to racehorses by trainers and stable staff.

Foster said: "It's about getting racing and racehorses into the lives of people who have never thought about them or crossed paths with them before.

"It's not showing how well looked after the horses are, but also about meeting the staff and understanding what these animals mean to them. Without the staff, we couldn't do it."

Malton-based McManoman, who has ridden more than 120 winners, said: "National Racehorse Week is more important than people realise because it's a chance to open people's eyes to what goes on in racing.

"We're all tucked away in the countryside, so how are people to know? We've been picked up and brought to the middle of a city and it's a bit crazy for us, but hopefully people take notice and learn a bit from it."

Chris Hughes with Chase The Wind ahead of National Racehorse WeekCredit: Jon Super/PA Media Assignments

National Racehorse Week ambassador Chris Hughes said: "We know these horses are great animals who give us so much happiness in our lives and it's important to showcase how much hard work goes into looking after them.

"It's a great way to educate the general public on how good the welfare is for these animals. We're bringing the racehorse to an audience who wouldn't necessarily see them and give them the chance to get up close to them."

William McCourt was among the members of the public to interact with Chase The Wind and his sidekick Yogi the pony.

"It's fantastic to see the horse and he's doing a great job," he said. "I was walking along the road and thought I could hear hooves, and there he was in the middle of the square."

Chase The Wind arrives with trainer Jo Foster at a pop-up stable outside Media CityCredit: Jon Super/PA Media Assignments

Chase The Wind and Jo Foster in the a pop-up stable at Media City Credit: Jon Super/PA Media Assignments

There are 13,000 spaces available to the public  during the week, which also includes more than 50 community events.

Foster added: "We've got seven schools to go to and other community visits, and over the next ten days we will probably meet 3,500 people and have 1,000 kids having a go on the Equicizer.

"It's about targeting the younger generation and putting the idea in their heads that this is an opportunity for them and that anyone can get involved in racing."

More information can be found at nationalracehorseweek.uk.

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