EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF MIDDLEHAM OPEN DAY 2025 IN AID OF RACING WELFARE AND SEE STAR SPRINTER ‘REGIONAL’
Middleham Open Day is just around the corner, and this is your final reminder to get tickets for one of the most unique days in British racing’s calendar – all in aid of the charity Racing Welfare.
Taking place this Good Friday, 18th April, ARC Middleham Open Day throws open the gates to some of the finest training yards in the country to raise funds for Racing Welfare which supports all of racing’s people – including stud, stable and racecourse staff, alongside those working in associated professions – from recruitment to retirement. Money raised from this event will go towards Racing Welfare’s Middleham projects and service delivery in the town.
The impressive Bethell Racing operation at Thorngill, run by trainer Ed Bethell, will be open. Among the standout attractions at the event this year, is the chance to see Regional, the yard’s Group 1 sprint star, as well as getting a behind-the-scenes look at the top-class training facility, meeting the team who look after the horses, and learning more about the day-to-day life of racehorses in training. Please note opening times are strictly from 10.30am until 12.30pm at this yard.
Speaking this week, Ed Bethell said: “Delighted that over 30 years on from when my father was involved in Middleham Open Day, we can still welcome the public to view the Bethell Racing yard and see some of our exciting horses ahead of the season.”
Regional, a 7-year-old bay gelding, was purchased for just £3,500 and has gone on to amass over £703,000 in prize money, with five wins and five second-place finishes to his name. His career highlights include a brilliant win in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock in 2023, and most recently, an impressive performance in Meydan on 5th April this year, finishing third in the prestigious Al Quoz Sprint (Group 1) – beaten by only three-quarters of a length and picking up another £120,000 in prize money.
Gail Burton-Pye, Racing Welfare’s local Welfare Officer based in Middleham, said: “Our open day is such a highlight in the calendar for us, and a wonderful way to celebrate Middleham’s horseracing heritage and community. Each year people from all over the country come along to 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.”
A total of nine training operations are participating in Middleham Open Day 2025. Yards are open 9:30am – 1pm unless otherwise stated. Karl Burke (open 10:30am – 12:30pm), Ed Bethell (open 10:30am – 12:30pm), Micky Hammond, Charlie and Mark Johnston, Phillip Makin, Neil Mechie, Patrick Neville, Jedd O’Keeffe and Simon West. Last entry to yards is 30 minutes before advertised closing time.
Following the morning yard visits, the excitement continues with an afternoon of entertainment for all ages on Middleham’s Low Moor. Highlights include Retraining of Racehorses showing classes and a demonstration and Q&A with New Beginnings, as well as a host of children’s games such as football challenges, pony petting, face painting, and jockey silks to dress-up in.
The popular local hounds parade makes a welcome return, followed by the thrilling Inter-yard Challenge at 2:15pm, where racing staff compete in events including the White Rose Saddlery Tug of War, Racing Welfare space hopper relay race, and the crowd-favourite Wensleybale Bale Push.
The day concludes with the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog Show, featuring fun classes like Dog with the Waggiest Tail and Most Handsome Chap – the perfect way to round off an unforgettable day in Middleham.
Don’t miss this chance to support a great cause and experience the magic of Middleham. Tickets, which are available to purchase online until 11:55pm on Thursday 17th April, are available now at: www.middlehamopenday.co.uk Tickets can also be purchased on the day throughout Middleham open yards and the Racing Welfare gazebo in Middleham market square.
Visitors are kindly asked to park at the event’s main parking facility at Low Moor as there is no parking in Middleham itself or at any of the yards. There is also a car park at Tennants Auction Centre, Harmby Rd, Leyburn DL8 5SG and very limited parking at The Busks in Middleham DL8 4PP.
A shuttle bus service will be running throughout the morning, from each car park to each yard. At the various car parks, ticket scanning for wristbands and purchasing of tickets can also be completed.