First National Racehorse Week to celebrate the sport set for September

The first National Racehorse Week will take place this year from September 12-19. The initiative, announced by Great British Racing but born out of an idea published in the Racing Post by trainer Richard Phillips in 2019, will be a nationwide celebration of the British racehorse and will shine a light on the levels of care provided to racehorses by trainers and grooms.

In a column for the Racing Post, Phillips suggested the idea to create a single event the entire racing industry could get behind to celebrate the animals who power the sport and provide entertainment for millions, while also providing the public and policy makers with insight into the care horses receive.

Richard Phillips: It's time to show the world how much love and care racehorses receive

Phillips said: “I'm delighted to see the idea of National Racehorse Week spring into life. It truly is a fantastic opportunity for our wonderful owners, staff, trainers and jockeys to come together for a common love of the racehorse and a chance to show the public and policy makers that racing has absolutely nothing to hide. Racing has a great story to tell, so let's get it out there and tell it.”

National Racehorse Week will be bookended by the Malton open day and the Henry Cecil open weekend in Newmarket, as well as the Epsom and Middleham open days, with trainers across the country and outside the main training centres encouraged and supported to open their doors to the public as well.

During the week, there will also be a programme of virtual events and a showcase of other parts of the industry and their contributions to the care that racehorses receive throughout their lives.

Download the free Racing Post app for cards, form, tips, in-app betting and to watch live races. Download for free at racingpost.com/mobile or search Racing Post app