Racing unites to open yard doors for the public

Want to see what goes into looking after the region’s best racehorses? Now’s your chance, writes Athwenna Irons

MEMBERS of the public will be granted rare access to some of the South West’s best and most successful horse racing yards when a new week-long celebratory festival gets underway next month.

The first-ever National Racehorse Week will run from September 12-19, providing the opportunity for visitors to see the love and care racehorses receive year-round.

Regional heavyweights of the sport including David Pipe, Harry Fry, Jane Williams and Philip Hobbs will be joining over 100 flat and National Hunt trainers across the country in opening their doors to the public for free, to celebrate the racehorse and give insight to their training.

Gloucestershire trainer Richard Phillips, who originally came up with the idea of National Racehorse Week, explained: “National Racehorse Week is a brilliant opportunity for everyone in racing to come together through their common love for the racehorse and provide a wonderful insight into the world of racing.

“Horses are our heroes, and we are looking forward to opening our doors and offering a big-hearted welcome to everyone. So much love and care goes into looking after our horses every day and we can’t wait for this nationwide celebration of the racehorse.”

Each of the participating yards are listed on the nationalracehorseweek. uk website, where a postcode search allows visitors to find their nearest open yard and sign up to attend.

Among those preparing to welcome members of the public is Somersetbased David Pipe, whose Pond House stables near Wellington have saddled many big-race winners including the 2008 Grand National victor Comply Or Die, ridden by Timmy Murphy.

Having taken over the licence from his father, 15 times champion jumps trainer Martin Pipe CBE, in 2006, David has gradually expanded and evolved the family operation to where it is today, offering a wealth of training facilities including woodchip and sand gallops, two treadmills, two horse walkers, a swimming pool and a solarium.

The yard also has its own on-site laboratory to carry out regular blood tests and endoscopies.

Former Love Island star and now ITV Racing presenter, Chris Hughes, is promoting National Racehorse Week and added: “As someone who loves racing, I’m so excited that everyone will have the chance to go behind the scenes at a racing yard near them and see the wonderful care that horses receive.”

For further details and to find events near you, visit the website www.nationalracehorseweek.uk

Julian Herbert / PA Moon Racer trained by David Pipe (orange silks) pulls away under Tom Scudamore to go on and win the Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2016

Andrew Matthews Barry Geraghty celebrates with Defi Du Seuil and trainer Philip Hobbs (right) after winning the JLT Novices’ Chase at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival

Athwenna Irons David Pipe with Vieux Lion Rouge, who has raced in five Grand Nationals