National Racehorse Week 2024

Features | 30^th July 2024

National Racehorse Week is back and it’s better than ever.

The hugely-successful initiative gives everyone the chance to see behind the scenes at racing yards, stud farms and retraining centres.

This year, the eight-day event, will take place between September 7 and 15 when you will be able to meet the real stars of racing – the horses.

There will be fascinating demonstrations at many of the open days and you can be sure of a warm welcome which ever locations you choose to visit.

Here’s a look at five fantastic venues taking part in National Racehorse Week and what you can expect to see. Of course, dozens more can be found on the website.

Molland Ridge Stud

With a wealth of experience as a former Jockey and National Hunt trainer, Jess has a great deal of thoroughbred expertise. She has now run Molland Ridge Stud for over eight years, and has provided many a successful racehorse with the best start to life.

Jess will open her yard – located in the beautiful scenery of North Devon – on Saturday 7th September.

Attendees can be sure to have a totally unique experience at Molland Ridge; there will be the opportunity to watch a veterinary demonstration of two mares being scanned for foals, as well as a parade of some of the adorable foals currently under the care of Jess and her team.

Jamie Snowdon

Set in the iconic valley of the racehorse, Folly House boasts immediate access to the Lambourn Gallops. Jamie is part of a select group of exceptional trainers who have produced Cheltenham Gold Cup winners, and his success is evident by the further 400 winners he and his team have trained.

Jamie shall be opening the doors to his charming, picturesque yard on Sunday 8th September, where both humans and dogs shall be very warmly welcomed.

Attendees will get the chance to meet some of the racing stars of the stable, as well as have the opportunity to ask any questions about racehorses or the training process to Jamie and his team of expert staff.

The British Thoroughbred Retraining Centre

The vital work of the country’s retraining centres is showcased by the original charity for retired racehorse welfare in UK.

The centre – based near Halton in Lancashire – will be open to visitors on Saturday 14 September.

It has been promoting thoroughbred aftercare for more than 30 years. The charity provides rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming after the horses have finished their racing careers.

The horses go on to enjoy all manner of other equine pursuits. You can see how well they are cared for and how they are prepared for the next step in their lives.

Iain Jardine

Scottish racing fans will get the opportunity to see everything that goes on in Iain Jardine’s dual-purpose yard near Dumfries.

He’s opening his doors on Thursday 12 September and there’s plenty going on for visitors to enjoy.

There will be the chance to meet all his stable stars and watch them on the gallops, as well as learning how to saddle a horse for racing.

Try your hand at being a jockey on a mechanical horse and watch an equine physiotherapy demonstration.

Iain will also give a talk and you will be able to quiz him in a question-and-answer session.

Charlie Johnston

No training establishment has been more successful than the Kingsley Park stables of Charlie Johnston.

Charlie’s dad Mark broke the record for the most winners in British racing in 2018 before handing the sole training licence over to his son last year.

They have embraced National Racehorse Week and are determined no one should miss out on the opportunity to see behind the gates of their impressive stables.

There will be two slots for visitors to sign up to on each of the five days they are open during the week. They are on Tuesday 10 September, Wednesday 11, Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14.

Visitors cane expect to see a demonstration of the equine swimming pool and enjoy a tour of the tack room, as well as meeting the horses and watching them on the gallops.