Over 100 training yards to open their doors for National Racehorse Week

A first National Racehorse Week is scheduled to run across Britain later this year between September 12-19 during which time the public will be granted rare access to over 100 training yards across the country.

The free initiative will begin on the same day as the Malton and Epsom open days and will culminate the following weekend with the two-day Henry Cecil Open Weekend in Newmarket.

The idea behind the seven-day festival, which is being promoted by ITV Racing star Chris Hughes, is to give the public first-hand experience of the care, love and attention that goes into looking after racehorses.

A host of Flat and jumping yards from Devon to Northumberland will be open for business on at least one day during this period which is sponsored by Great British Racing, the National Trainers Federation, the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Trust, the Racing Foundation as well as some generous owners.

Chris Hughes, who often rides out at trainer Jonjo O’Neill’s stable, said: “As someone who loves racing, I’m so excited that everyone will have the chance to go behind the scenes at a racing yard near them and see the wonderful care that horses receive.”

With new stables being added all the time, each of the participating yards are listed on the nationalracehorseweek.uk website, where a postcode search allows visitors to find their nearest open yard and sign up to attend at no cost.

Among those looking forward to welcoming members of the public is Gloucestershire-based trainer Richard Phillips, who originally came up with the idea of National Racehorse Week.

He said: “National Racehorse Week is a brilliant opportunity for everyone in racing to come together through their common love for the racehorse and provide a wonderful insight into the world of racing.

"Horses are our heroes, and we are looking forward to opening our doors and offering a big-hearted welcome to everyone. So much love and care goes into looking after our horses and we can’t wait for this nationwide celebration of the racehorse.”

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