Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day returns on Good Friday

Lambourn kicks off Easter Weekend in style on Good Friday, 19th April by opening its doors to the public for 29th The Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day.

This annual Berkshire charity event, which was heavily affected by rain in 2018, gives visitors the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of Britain’s top racehorse training establishments, where they can meet the trainers, staff and, of course, their equine heroes.

A rare chance to access all areas

More than 25 racing yards and horse exhibitions will open on the morning of Good Friday, 19th April to give the public the opportunity to get first-hand experience into the running of top yards, including Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson, Charlie Hills, Clive Cox and, Grand National-winning trainer, Oliver Sherwood.

In the afternoon, the central arena opens with a full programme of equine shows and demonstrations of country skills. The highlight will be a very keenly fought Show Jumping competition between AP McCoy and his daughter Eve, Jamie Osborne and his daughter Saffie, and Mark Bradstock’s wife Sarah and their son Alfie, with no quarter given, nor respect for age.

AP McCoy, John Francome and other celebrities will be taking part in the Melbourne 10-sponsored Camel Racing.

Other events on offer include a thrilling show by the Stannage Motorcycle Team, a Windsor Clive- sponsored Parade of Equine Heroes to include Sprinter Sacre and Coneygree, and a Retraining of Racehorses dressage display.

The Lambourn Open Day also gives an opportunity to check out the brilliant facilities at both the Lambourn Valley Equine Hospital and the Injured Jockey’s Fund rehabilitation centre, Oaksey House. There will also be a vast array of trade stands and food stalls to add to what is a great fun Easter day out for all the family, whilst for the first time The Outside Chance Bar will be present, and there will be a live band playing there from 4.30pm.

Tickets

Tickets cost £15 on the day for the whole day; £10 for afternoon entertainment only. Children under 12 go free. Car Parks are also free and open at 7.30 am, with yards open from 8.30am until 1 pm.

All money raised during the event goes to Lambourn’s registered charity, The Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, which works tirelessly for the welfare of its stable staff; The Air Ambulance and other worthy local organisations.

Full colour programmes, featuring all the information about the day, including a map, information on all trainers and timings of events will be available in all car parks and yards.

Visit www.LambournOpenDay.com for tickets and more information.

Funds to benefit local needs

The principal activity of The Lambourn Valley Housing Trust is to relieve poverty among people employed, or formerly employed or active in the horse racing industry, together with their wives, widows and dependant children, in particular by the provision of housing.

The Trust is a registered charity that raises money to provide homes for both our retired and working stable staff. It purchased land in Lambourn, now called Francome Fields, and it has now built 18 houses there.

In future, planning permission may be sought for six single people flats at Francome Fields. Houses in this area are expensive and many of those in Lambourn are occupied by people who are not working in the racing industry.

The late Peter Walwyn, former Chairman of the Lambourn Trainers Association said:

“There are many reasons for a successful yard and one of the most important is the staff. They are not as richly rewarded as we would like and we are always likely to lose key trained lads and lasses when they have just married. Quite rightly they want a home of their own together, but cannot afford to rent anything suitable.”