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23 January 2018

See behind-the-scenes of horseracing this Easter: Middleham Stables to open again on Good Friday.

Good Friday, 30th March 2018 sees the return of the popular Middleham Stables Open Day where 13 yards will again be opening to the public.  The event, sponsored by ARC, took place last year on Easter Monday but this year returns to its traditional slot on Friday 30th March.

The day has been moved back to its traditional Good Friday slot after changing to Easter Monday last year. Sarah Fanning of Racing Welfare said 

we are very much looking forward to running the 2018 Open Day.  While the event worked on Easter Monday last year it was felt by the trainers that its traditional Good Friday place is better suited for yard working patterns and we are delighted to again benefit from ARC's generous sponsorship.  We have lots planned and plenty of equine talent on show in this beautiful part of the country and look forwards to welcoming crowds of visitors!

Stable yards will be open from 9.30am until 1pm and will include those of Mark Johnston who will again be showcasing his Park Farm Spa facilities, Jedd O’Keefe (where recent Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle winner and Cheltenham Stayers Hurdle hope Sam Spinner resides) and Karl Burke’s Spigot Lodge, trainer of last year’s Group 1 winners Laurens and Unfortunately.  There will be lots more to see in the many historic yards around the area including the water treadmill recuperation facilities at Ann Duffield’s and a jumping demonstration and show of two year olds at James Bethell’s Thorngill stables.  There will also be various market stalls and food offerings in Middleham, a craft fair at the Key Centre and parade of the local Fox Hounds.

In the afternoon, events will once again move to the Low Moor where planned activities include the Retraining of Racehorses Musical Ride and schooling of National Hunt horses from Micky Hammond’s stable. This will be followed by an inter-yard team competition for stable staff in which a Donkey Derby, sponsored by Beverley Racecourse, will feature this year as well as the return of a showjumping relay in conjunction with local pony club members.

Last year’s event was a great success with big crowds visiting the town. The majority of proceeds of the event went to Racing Welfare to fund the planned Hill House development in memory of Jessica Bethell which will support the Middleham racing community. Further funds were donated to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and local charities including Riding for the Disabled, Citizens Advice Bureau and Middleham Sports and Wellbeing Association.

Tickets to the event are on sale now at www.middlehamopenday.co.uk with adult tickets priced at £10, concessions at £7.50 and those 16 and under going free of charge. Get news like this straight to your inbox