Advance tickets are selling fast for the hugely popular ARC Middleham Open Day, which returns ‘in-person’ to the calendar next Friday 15th April 2022.
The event, which raises vital funds for Racing Welfare, will see twelve trainers opening their gates to give the public a unique ‘behind the scenes’ insight into life at a Yorkshire racing stable.
The Arena Racing Company sponsored day promises to provide entertainment for the whole family on Good Friday. Guests will have access to over 600 racehorses in training across the 13 yards that will be opening to the public. Plus, various other activities taking place on Middleham’s Low Moor throughout the afternoon. A schedule of activities is as follows:
- 9am: Trade stands open at Middleham Marketplace
- 9.30am: Racing yards open
- 12.30pm: Ann Duffield and Phillip Makin yards open
- 1pm: Working military horse ‘Trooper Middleham’ takes centre stage
- 1.15pm: Retraining of Racehorses display
- 2pm: Inter-yard challenge
- 3pm: Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies dog show
- 4pm: Close
Ann Duffield, who trains at Sun Hill Farm with her husband George, said: “Myself and fellow trainer Phillip Makin are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our yards during the afternoon on Good Friday.
“As well as meeting the horses and the staff that look after them all year round, guests will be able to view the array of facilities on offer at both yards whilst enjoying a hog roast lunch! We’ll be showing horses using our solarium, Vitafloor and water treadmill – which is always very interesting for those that have not seen it before. We are pleased to continue to support the Middleham Open Day and hope this year’s event is successful in raising much-needed funds for Racing Welfare.”
The full list of trainers welcoming the public include: Andy Crook, Ben Haslam, Chris Fairhurst, Ann Duffield, Phillip Makin, Foulrice Park Racing, James Horton, Jed O’Keeffe, Mark and Charlie Johnston, Micky Hammond, Neil Mechie and Simon West.
Most yards will be opening from 9:30am–1pm, with Ann Duffield and Phillip Makin’s yards at Sun Hill Farm open from 12.30pm–4pm.
Tickets are on sale at a discounted advance rate £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for concessions if purchased before 14th April, with under 16’s enjoying free admission.
Go to www.middlehamopenday.co.uk to book.
Karen can usually be found glued to her computer or at the stables. Having edited several national magazines she co-founded Eclipse Magazine in 2008 after realising that many of her friends were nervous about going racing due to lack of information – what to wear, how to bet etc.
She absolutely loves her job (how many people can say that?!) and is truly grateful to all supporters of and contributors to Eclipse Magazine.
If you are reading this she would like to say THANK YOU! (And please spread the word about Eclipse…!!)
