BHA Development programme graduate Immy Griffin shares her first-hand experience of the growing community impact of National Racehorse Week

Through the British Horseracing Development Programme 2024, I was fortunate to join the team behind National Racehorse Week via Great British Racing. This experience provided a unique opportunity to work directly on a campaign celebrating the unsung heroes of British racing: the horses and the people dedicated to their care. Throughout my placement, I witnessed first-hand the deep connection between the racing industry and the community, as National Racehorse Week opened its doors to the public in ways that embodied transparency, education, and celebration.

Record number of community events

This year, National Racehorse Week featured over 150 events across the country, showcasing the daily care and work involved in racehorse management. These events included open days at training yards, offering the public a close-up view of racehorses’ lives and their dedicated caretakers. Community outreach played a significant role, with 55 events at schools, after-school clubs, urban equestrian centres and hospitals bringing racing closer to people of various backgrounds and communities.

During my placement, I worked closely with the marketing, PR, and digital teams to spotlight these open days and showcase the people and stories within racing, often unseen by the public.

Nationwide celebration

National Racehorse Week is more than just an event; it’s a nationwide celebration that invites people of all ages into training yards, stud farms, and equine care facilities across GB. These open days bring the world of horseracing to the community, allowing people to see the exceptional care racehorses receive and to meet the skilled teams responsible for their well-being. From early-morning routines and feeding schedules, to understanding the dedication required for horses’ health, each event during the week gives visitors an intimate look at the racing world’s commitment to its animals. The participating yards hosted interactive activities, such as guided tours, ‘meet-and-greet’ sessions with racehorses, farrier demonstrations, seeing the horses working on the gallops, meeting trainers and stable staff. There were educational activities for families, creating an interactive, hands-on way for visitors to engage with the world of horseracing.

I attended several open days and community events. I visited the training yard of Philip Hobbs and Johnson White, where I gained insight into their renowned methods. Lou Robson’s visit to a school in Milton Keynes with an ex-racehorse highlighted the importance of community engagement and racehorse aftercare. At Tweenhills, I explored a stud farm’s unique approach, followed by Richard Phillips’ inspiring after-school session in Birmingham. The open days hosted by Nicky Henderson, Gary Moore, Harry Derham, and Richard Phillips rounded out the week, each providing a unique window into the diverse aspects of racehorse care, training, and community involvement.

Helped shaped career ambitions 

One of the most inspiring aspects of National Racehorse Week was its focus on community engagement. Many of the week’s events were designed to welcome young people, urban equestrian centres, hospitals, and local schools, creating a space where everyone felt included. This emphasis on community was something we worked to highlight in the campaign. I attended multiple community events, including an after-school club in Birmingham where Richard Phillips brought along Fighting Poet, a racehorse who won over students, even when they were too nervous, as many were meeting a horse for the first time! Watching their faces light up and capturing these heart-warming moments was the highlight of my week. 

My time with National Racehorse Week has shaped my career ambitions. Beyond learning the technical skills of content creation, digital engagement, and media coordination, I appreciated how meaningful community-centred events can foster a greater understanding of horseracing and the people dedicated to it. Seeing families, first-time visitors, and avid fans come together to celebrate these horses and learn about the industry’s commitment to their care was an unforgettable experience. I feel grateful to have been part of an initiative that opens the racing industry to the public in an impactful way bringing people closer to the sport.