Middleham and Lambourn go ahead with Open days despite adverse weather

Despite the likely absence of Spring weather, there is plenty of opportunity for the community to see behind the scenes at racing yards at the Good Friday Open Days at Middleham and Lambourn.

The ever-popular Middleham Open Day, sponsored by Arena Racing Company returns to its regular slot on Good Friday. The day starts at 9:30am and finishes at 1:30pm, and the public have access to 12 training yards and will be entertained by a number of ex-horses during the RoR musical ride.

A schooling session of Micky Hammond’s Jump horses will take place and Mark Johnston will be showcasing his Park Farm Spa facilities. The water treadmill recuperation facilities at Ann Duffield’s will be another stop-off point for the crowds, who will have a choice of various market and food stalls, so too a craft fair.

Away from the Yorkshire Dales, the Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day has sadly had to reduce its activity owing to the weather, but Nicky Henderson will be flying the flag, with a guest appearance from Sir Anthony McCoy at his yard.

On show from 9am at Seven Barrows will be stable stars, Buveur D’Air, Might Bite, Altior and My Tent Or Yours. Staff at the yard have been working hard to keep the day on track despite the weather, laying down tracking for the parking to ensure safety for visitors.

Nigel Payne of the Peter O’Sullevan Trust told the Racing Post: “Naturally we are saddened by this turn of events but the weather in no way dampens our enthusiasm and commitment to the day. Neither would it ever have dampened Peter’s.”