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12 August 2021

Epsom Open Day returns to showcase Surrey’s historic racing centre

This year’s Epsom Open Day will see seven racing yards within this historic training centre throw their gates open to the public on Sunday 12th September, to tie in with Epsom Heritage Week and the launch of the first-ever National Racehorse Week (12-19 September).

Organised by Racing Welfare and sponsored by The Jockey Club, Epsom Open Day will give racing fans and locals the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes of some of the top racing yards of Epsom, and meet some of their superhero horses, trainers and stable staff. Stable tours will take place between 9am and 1pm, with a bus service rotating on stops every 15 minutes between the participating yards. There will also be an opportunity to see some of the horses being worked on the iconic Epsom gallops, alongside sports broadcaster Rishi Persad who has just returned home having covered the equestrian sport at the Tokyo Olympics.

Trainers taking part in this year’s event include:

Simon Dow                  Lee Carter                    Jim Boyle                     Mark Pattinson

Roger Ingram               Pat Phelan                   Michael Attwater 

Trainer Simon Dow of Clear Height Stables said; 

It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our stables, highlight the care and attention that is devoted to these amazing animals, and gives people a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of a racing yard. We’ve been involved every year - it’s a bit like looking forward to Christmas welcoming the public back here. We’re delighted to be a part of it.

Among the equine stars on show is Simon’s Corazon Espinado who has won twice on Epsom Oaks day and is something of a course specialist at his local track with four wins under his belt on the downs.

Proceeds from the event will go to Racing Welfare, who have had a dedicated presence in Epsom since 2016, recognising the significance of the training centre within the fabric of UK horseracing. Racing Welfare exists to provide an invaluable range of support to anyone working in or retired from racing, including help with housing, finances, and mental and physical health. The Jockey Club’s charity offers professional guidance and practical help to all of racing’s people – including stud, stable and racecourse staff, alongside those working in associated professions – whose dedication is vital for the wellbeing of racing. In 2020 in the South Racing Welfare supported a total of 760 individuals, and in Epsom alone the charity supported 182 individuals with 1,840 instances of support provided.

Epsom Open Day is always a highlight for both the public and stable staff alike. Louisa Allen, head girl to Jim Boyle is very much looking forward to the occasion, saying; “Come and visit the yards and have a peek behind the scenes. Bring your kids and meet our stars. Fun is what it’s all about. See the love we have for our horses first-hand, we can’t wait to meet you all.”

With a month to go, tickets for the event can be purchased at a reduced rate of £7.50 for advanced bookings at www.epsomopenday.co.uk – or £10 for on-the-day purchases.