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LAST CHANCE FOR ADVANCE TICKETS FOR POPULAR MIDDLEHAM OPEN DAY

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Middleham’s horseracing community is preparing to welcome thousands of people to their yards this Good Friday for their annual open day, where visitors can get a taster of life behind the scenes in North Yorkshire’s historic racing centre.

Eight local trainers will be throwing open their doors to the public on 29th March for the Arena Racing Company (ARC) sponsored Middleham Open Day, which raises vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare.

Among those getting involved is former jockey Karl Burke at Spigot Lodge (his yard will be open from 10.30-12.30), who has been plying his trade in the training ranks since 1991. Once again in 2023, Karl was the leading northern based trainer with 126 winners in total and approaching £4,000,000 in total prize money. His stable includes exciting filly Fallen Angel, who is a leading contender for Newmarket’s Qipco 1,000 Guineas in May. She has already won three times, including Group 1 success and amassed more than £250,000 in prize money.

Karl’s daughter Kelly, who also plays the role of rider and secretary said: “We’re all looking forward to welcoming people to Spigot Lodge again where they can meet some of our Group 1 horses including Fallen Angel.

“We get involved with Middleham Open Day to support Racing Welfare because they do plenty for the staff and everyone involved in the industry.”

Ticketholders will be able to access the following yards:

  • Ben Haslam
  • Charlie Johnston
  • Micky Hammond
  • Karl Burke
  • Neil Mechie
  • Jedd O’Keeffe
  • Ed Bethell
  • Danny Brooke

 

Racing Welfare’s local welfare officer, Gail Burton-Pye, who is based in the town said: “Our open day is such a highlight in the calendar for us here in Middleham. Each year the event attracts people from all across the country, giving them the opportunity to come and see the fantastic facilities Middleham’s training yards have to offer, meet their favourite horses and chat to the staff who care for them so well. It’s a great day out for followers of racing as well as families with all the afternoon activities on the Low Moor to enjoy after visiting the yards in the morning. We’re extremely grateful to all the trainers who have generously agreed to support the event once again and look forward to welcoming our visitors on Friday.”

Those interested in attending are urged to take advantage of discounted advance ticket prices before 28th March at 11.55pm, available from www.middlehamopenday.co.uk for just £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for concessions, while under 16s go free. Tickets can also be purchased on the day from the parking areas, the Racing Welfare gazebo in Middleham Marketplace and at the entrance to the open yards.

Vistors will have the opportunity to meet Shetland pony Little Alf, star of best-selling author Hannah Russell’s series of children books in the marketplace during the morning between yard visits. In the afternoon, the Low Moor will provide the stage for two Retraining of Racehorses classes, a demo from New Beginnings featuring popular former racehorse Burrow Seven, as well as the ever-competitive inter-yard stable staff challenge. Don’t miss your chance to enter your dog in the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog Show!

MIDDLEHAM RACEHORSE TRAINERS SET TO OPEN THEIR YARDS ON GOOD FRIDAY

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Middleham’s horseracing community is once again pulling together to offer a fantastic day out for families and followers of racing alike this Good Friday. Tickets are on sale now for ARC Middleham Open Day, giving visitors the opportunity to access the stables of nine local trainers on 29th March and see some of North Yorkshire’s most exciting racehorses in the flesh.

 

Following a morning of exploring the yards, ticketholders can head to Middleham’s Low Moor for an afternoon of activities and entertainment, starting with the Retraining of Racehorses showing classes. New Beginnings will then give a demo and talk around the process of retraining and rehoming former racehorses, before the hotly contested racing staff inter-yard challenge and Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog show. Popular Household Cavalry horse Trooper Middleham will also be in attendance for one final time before he hangs up his shoes and heads into retirement.

The event directly helps to benefit the local community, with typically around 3,500 people flocking to the town for the day and raises vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare who have a strong local presence, including a designated welfare officer supporting Middleham’s racing workforce. People like *Ella, a groom and rider who has lived and worked in Middleham for eight years now.

Like many, Ella has recently been feeling the effects of spiralling bills. She applied for Racing Welfare’s Home Energy Grant and received a one-off payment of £300 to help alleviate the financial burden.

She said: “In all honesty I’ve not been putting the heating on unless it has been freezing and unbearable, or I have clothes that need drying, so it’s quite nice to relieve that pressure a bit and know that I can turn the heating on if it’s cold. The electricity bill is quite high and I rent on my own, so I have all those bills to pay. It seems as though everything has gone up!”

It’s not the first time Ella has turned to Racing Welfare for support; previously she was having quite a stressful time and confided in her local welfare officer, Gail about how she was feeling.

“She recommended I speak to the occupational therapist [via Racing Welfare’s Support Line] and they arranged for a course of six face to face counselling sessions. I found them really beneficial to the point where I then carried on having sessions. I was in quite a senior position so there was quite a bit of pressure dealing with staff and things, so it helped me become more aware of other people’s emotions and how to handle them better.

“Working in the industry we’re generally quite tough people and just get on with things but it’s great to know Racing Welfare is there if you need them. There’s such a varied range of support you can get, not just for mental health, there’s careers, finance – there is something for everyone.”

Talking of her experience working in Middleham’s racing community, Ella said: “I love the fact that it’s such a team effort and the high you get – even normal day to day races. It’s great to see the horses progress, and that bond you create with them on the yard by working with them every day.”

Visitors to ARC Middleham Open Day can get a taster of what goes on behind the scenes, with tickets giving access to all of the following trainers’ yards:

  • Ben Haslam
  • Charlie Johnston
  • Micky Hammond
  • Karl Burke
  • Neil Mechie
  • Jedd O’Keeffe
  • Ed Bethell
  • Danny Brooke
  • Liam Bailey at Foulrice Park

 

The event provides exceptional value with discounted advance tickets available from www.middlehamopenday.co.uk for just £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for concessions, while under 16s go free.

 

 

CORACH RAMBLER’S AINTREE SUCCESS HAILED AS MAGIC MOMENT OF 2023 AT THE NORTHERN RACING AWARDS

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On Friday 1st December, the northern racing community came together to celebrate the many successes of the region this year at the ROA Northern Racing Awards. The black-tie event, hosted and organised by Racing Welfare at Newcastle racecourse, culminated with Corach Rambler’s famous Grand National win being recognised as Northern racing’s Magic Moment of the year for Lucinda Russell, owners ‘The Ramblers’ and jockey Derek Fox, who also scooped the Professional Jumps Ride of the Year Award.

Following a stellar year on the track, dual Group 1 winning sprinter Shaquille – now retired to Dullingham Park Stud – was chosen by the judges as the winner for two categories, earning Julie Camacho the Best Training Performance of the Year (Flat) Award and Special Achievement of the Season Award (Flat) for his owners. Both related to his brilliant July Cup win at Newmarket, with the Group 1 victory topping off a remarkable run of six races unbeaten.

The Karl Burke trained winner of the British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes at Ascot in October, Poptronic, was named as the Stud Success Story of the Year for owners Yvonne and David Blunt. That success story continued for the pair as Poptronic went on to sell for 1,400,000gns at Tattersalls this week.

Another notable winner on the night was Sean Kirrane, who partnered Live In The Dream to victory in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York. The young jockey’s first Group 1 winning ride was adjudged to be the Apprentice Flat Ride of The Season.

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare said: “The North is home to some of our country’s standout training establishments and racecourses and the importance of racing in the region cannot be underestimated. It consistently serves up some of the highlights of our sport every year and 2023 has certainly delivered some truly unforgettable moments.

“It was an honour to once again celebrate those moments with racing’s northern community. Our thanks must go to all of our awards sponsors and headline sponsor The ROA, without whom the event would not be possible. Thanks also to our hosts for the evening, Sophia Monkman and Robert Hogarth for doing such a wonderful job, our judging panel of Adele Mulrennan, Andrew Thornton, David Armstrong, David Carr and Andy Clifton who had the tricky task of picking the winners and finally, to all who attended and supported the event.”

 

Full list of awards and winners at the ROA Northern Racing Awards 2023:

 

Magic Moment – sponsored by ROA: Corach Rambler (The Randox Grand National winner 2023)

Jump Ride of the Season (Professional) – sponsored by Ray Green: Derek Fox, Corach Rambler (Ultima Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap at Cheltenham)

Flat Ride of the Season (Professional) – sponsored by Good Racing Company: Paul Mulrennan, Azure Blue (1895 Duke Of York Clipper Stakes (Group 2), York)

Jump Ride of the Season (Conditional and Amateur) – sponsored by John Wade Holdings: Emma Smith-Chaston, Ballynagran (racingtv.com/freemonth Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase, Wetherby)

Flat Ride of the Season (Apprentice and Amateur) – sponsored by Racetech: Sean Kirrane, Live in the Dream (Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1), York)

Best Training Performance of the Season – National Hunt Trainer – sponsored by Sedgefield Racecourse: Mark Walford, Into Overdrive (William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap), Wetherby)

Best Training Performance of the Season – Flat Trainer – sponsored by Gain Equine Nutrition: Julie Camacho, Shaquille (Pertemps Network July Cup Stakes (Group 1), Newmarket)

Special Achievement of the Season – National Hunt Owner – sponsored by North Sea Logistics: Jimmy Fyffe & Scott Townshend, Benson (bet365 Morebattle Hurdle, Kelso)

Special Achievement of the Season – Flat Owner – sponsored by Newcastle Racecourse: Hughes, Rawlings & O’Shaugnessy (Pertemps Network July Cup Stakes (Group 1), Newmarket)

Point-to-Point Horse of the Year – sponsored by Scottish Racing: Cullin Hills (owned by Carol Milburn & Derryk Milburn, trained by William Milburn)

Stud/Breeder Success Story of the Year – sponsored by Mills Racing: Poptronic, David & Yvonne Blunt (Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes (Group 1), Ascot)

More than £27,000 raised at ARC Middleham Open Day

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More than 3,200 people headed out into the sunshine on Good Friday to explore Middleham’s historic racing yards.

The ARC Middleham Open Day saw six trainers open their yards to the crowds during the morning, with guests then enjoying activities such as a Retraining of Racehorses display and the Aiskew Equine & Pet Supplies Dog Show on the Low Moor during the afternoon. The highly competitive inter-yard challenge also proved a highlight during the afternoon, with staff from Jedd O’Keeffe’s stable being crowned overall champions after three fiercely contested heats including a relay, bale push and tug of war.

One visitor commented on social media: “A brilliant day out, and the great weather helped. Well organised and good to see the fabulous stables and the horses, of course. My little puppy also won the Waggiest Tail first prize in the dog show!”

This year’s event raised over £27,000 for Racing Welfare, funds that will go towards providing vital support for people working in and retired from the horseracing industry.

Racing Welfare’s Head of Fundraising, Ryan Judson, said: “We are thrilled with the success of this year’s Middleham Open Day. Thank you to all the trainers and racing staff that supported the event this year, without them the open day simply would not happen. Thanks also to our event management team, our volunteers, Arena Racing Company for their headline sponsorship and all the other sponsors, supporters and local businesses that contributed to such a brilliant day.

“The funds raised by this event will help our charity support the dedicated workforce that keep our sport functioning on a day-to-day basis.”

Magic moments celebrated in the North as Highfield Princess crowned the success story of the year

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On Friday 25th November the who’s who of northern racing came together to celebrate a stellar year of sporting achievements at the ROA Northern Racing Awards. The black-tie event, hosted by Racing Welfare at Newcastle racecourse, celebrated racing successes across the region with Highfield Princess winning the Stud/Breeder Success Story of the Year award for owner/breeder John Fairley, reaffirming her position as this year’s jewel in Northern racing’s crown.

Magic moments

The popular event saw two ROA-sponsored Magic Moment awards being presented on the night; the first going to training duo Charlie and Mark Johnston in recognition of their achieving 5,000 lifetime winners; and the second award going to jockey Brian Hughes for regaining the NH jockeys’ championship in 2021/22. Hughes’ title win in 2019/20 signified the first for a northern-based jockey since Jonjo O’Neill was crowned champion for the 1979/80 season.

Notable winners

Other notable winners on the night included trainer Ann Hamilton, who scooped Best Training Performance of the Season for her win with Tommy’s Oscar in the Grade 2 The New One Unibet Hurdle in January. Michael Dods picked up the equivalent award on the Flat for his victory with Commanche Falls in the Coral Stewards’ Cup in July.

Point-to-point success was also celebrated with recognition for Sine Nomine who finished third in Cheltenham’s NAF Intermediate Point-to-Point Hunters’ Chase in April this year after a prolific 21/22 point-to-point season that saw her win four races. Catterick Bridge’s general manager, Fiona Needham, trains the six-year-old mare for her father Robin Tate and both were there to pick up the award on the night.

Funds raised for charity

In addition to the celebrations, the night was underpinned by fundraising activity for Racing Welfare, the charity that supports all racing’s people. Proceeds from ticket sales and the charity auction will all go to the charity to enable them to support those working in the industry.

Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare said: “Thank you to everyone who attended the ROA Northern Racing Awards, and a huge thanks to all our individual sponsors and the ROA for their generous headline sponsorship of the event.

“It is such a pleasure to host events like this, which are so important in bringing together racing’s communities, recognising the fruits of everybody’s labours throughout the year and celebrating success with our peers. Congratulations to all the award winners.”

Full list of awards and winners at the ROA Northern Racing Awards 2022:

Magic Moment – sponsored by ROA: Charlie and Mark Johnston (5,000 lifetime winners);
Brian Hughes (regaining the 2021/22 NH Jockeys’ Championship)

Jump Ride of the Season (Professional) – sponsored by Ray Green: Ryan Mania, Midnight Shadow (Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) at Cheltenham)

Flat Ride of the Season (Professional) – sponsored by RaceTech: PJ McDonald, Pyledriver (King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (Group 1), Ascot)

Jump Ride of the Season (Conditional and Amateur) – sponsored by John Wade Group: Charlotte Jones, Native Fighter (Burlington Handicap Hurdle, Cartmel)

Flat Ride of the Season (Apprentice and Amateur)- sponsored by Gold and Green Crowd: Becky Smith, Miss Mulligan (Coral ‘Get Closer to the Action’ Ladies Derby Handicap, Epsom)

Best Training Performance of the Season – National Hunt Trainer – sponsored by Sedgefield Racecourse: Ann Hamilton, Tommy’s Oscar (The New One Unibet Hurdle (Grade 2), Haydock Park)

Best Training Performance of the Season – Flat Trainer – sponsored by Gain Equine Nutrition: Michael Dods, Commanche Falls (Coral Stewards’ Cup, Goodwood)

Special Achievement of the Season – National Hunt Owner – sponsored by North Sea Logistics: Geoff and Elspeth Adam, Aye Wright (Betfair Exchange Rehearsal Handicap Chase (Listed), Newcastle)

Special Achievement of the Season – Flat Owner – sponsored by Newcastle Racecourse: The Horse Watchers (Chris Dixon), Raasel (Betfred Nifty Fifty Achilles Stakes (Listed), Haydock Park; Coral Charge (Group 3), Sandown Park)

Point-to-Point Horse of the Year – sponsored by Scottish Racing: Sine Nomine (owned by Robin Tate, trained by Fiona Needham)

Stud/Breeder Success Story of the Year – sponsored by the National Stud: John Fairley (Trainers House Enterprises Ltd), Highfield Princess (Arc Prix Maurice de Gheest (Group 1), Deauville; Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes (Group 1), York; Al Basti Equine Dubai Flying Five Stakes (Group 1), The Curragh)

TICKETS ON SALE FOR POPULAR OPEN DAYS AT MALTON AND EPSOM

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Popular open day events at Malton and Epsom are set to return on Sunday 11th September. The events, organised by racing’s human welfare charity, Racing Welfare, kick-start National Racehorse Week which aims to celebrate both the racehorse and the staff responsible for the high levels of care they receive daily.

Racehorse trainers will open their doors to the public, giving unrivalled behind-the-scenes access to some of the most prominent and historic racing yards in the UK. Visitors to both the North Yorkshire training centre and the home of the Epsom Derby will be able to meet a wealth of equine stars, as well as chat to the trainers and stable staff who provide their day-to-day care.

At the ARC Malton Open Day, yards will open during the morning followed by activities at Highfield Gallops during the afternoon. Whilst visiting the open yards during the morning, guests will have the opportunity to see this year’s Royal Ascot winning horses Perfect Power and The Ridler at Richard Fahey’s Musley Bank stable. The afternoon’s packed schedule will see events for all the family, including the popular Linton Pet Shop dog show, as well as a Retraining of Racehorses show.

The Epsom Open Day, taking place on the same day, welcomes visitors to visit the famous Epsom Downs for a morning of behind-the-scenes access at the home of the Derby. The day begins with a gallops and starting stalls demonstration, after which guests will be invited to visit the open yards throughout the morning. Activities for all the family will be available at the yards, including a fun ‘Racing Trail’ for the younger ones, plus demonstrations showing how to groom and tack up the horse, load and unload onto a horsebox and a farrier display.

Both events will be raising vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare, who have a strong local presence in and around both Malton and Epsom. The charity provides a wide range of advice and support services for people working in or retired from racing, and organises a range of events, trips and activities in the local communities.

Tickets are available for both events, priced at £12.50 for the ARC Malton Open Day and £10.00 for the Epsom Open Day. As always, under 16s are welcome to attend for free. Go to  www.maltonopenday.co.uk  or www.epsomopenday.co.uk to book now.

Racing fans of all ages enjoy a warm Yorkshire welcome at ARC Malton Open Day

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The racing yards of Malton and Norton were flooded with visitors yesterday (15th September), with people taking their chance to visit some of the sport’s most historic training locations and meet the shining stars who reside within them.  Amongst the horses on show were John Quinn’s star filly Liberty Beach; Nigel Tinkler’s top performer Kaeso; the Group 3 winning Copper Beach (Tim Easterby), top class chaser Definitely Red (Brian Ellison), and the Richard Fahey trained Sands of Mali, who triumphed in the Group 1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint at Ascot last Autumn. 

ARC Malton Open Day: Horses to follow

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Thinking of paying a visit to ARC Malton Open Day but not sure where to start?  Whether you’re out to meet the shining lights of Malton’s training ranks or want to get the inside track on some horses for the future, check out our guide to who’s who amongst Malton’s equine residents…