This year’s National Racehorse Week promises to provide an fascinating insight into the industry, with more than 130 venues across the country, including training yards, studs and retraining centres, opening their doors to the public to show what life as a racehorse is really like.
From 9-17 September, visitors will be able to join racing experts at a multitude of unique events running throughout the week, showing the inner workings of some of horseracing’s most important settings and demonstrating the love, nurture and attention that goes into caring for racehorses.
These Open Days will showcase a range of activities from yard-to-yard, offering the chance to meet racehorses in training, as well as the much-loved stable stars who have retired. The trainers will host tours of their facilities, providing the chance to see horses exercise on the gallops, and on the treadmills and walkers.
Community events will also include trainers hosting school visits, youth groups, charities and urban equestrian centres. Many trainers and owners of former racehorses will also take horses into schools and care homes, offering those who would not ordinarily have the chance to see a racehorse up close the opportunity to be part of the initiative.
“The impact of getting up close to a horse cannot be underestimated,” said TV personality Chris Hughes, who is a racehorse owner and ambassador for National Racehorse Week. “Racing has created a unique opportunity through National Racehorse Week to help people meet these incredible animals, experience the life of a thoroughbred and talk to the dedicated teams who care for them 365 days a year.
“There is nothing quite like this in any other sport. More than 13,500 places are available to book free of charge at locations up and down the country, with everyone welcome to join.”
To find out more, visit nationalracehorseweek.uk
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