Racehorses take over Picadilly Circus as National racehorse week comes to London

Horseracing took over London city centre on Wednesday as part of National Racehorse Week which runs 22nd to 31st August. Members of the public were able to meet racing’s equine athletes up close and for some, it was their first time meeting a horse.

Great British Racing, who run National Racehorse Week, took its ‘pop-up racing yard’ to St James’s Churchyard, Piccadilly to give even more people the chance to meet a racehorse as part of the ten-day event. There was attendance from former racehorse Dehradun, known at home as Joey, who is owned by current Jump Jockey Lilly Pinchin, alongside a visit from current Flat Jockey Hollie Doyle,

Positioned in St James’s Churchyard, Piccadilly, horseracing was taken to the city and passersby were able to:

• Meet former racehorse Dehradun

• Watch farrier demonstrations and ask the experts questions about caring for equine athletes

• Experience riding like a jockey, with tips from Racing to School and jockeys Hollie Doyle and Lily Pinchin. VR headsets were available to wear whilst on a mechanical horse

• Explore a racehorse’s wardrobe

Members of the public meet Joey the racehorse during a National Racehorse Week activation at St James’ Churchyard in London, part of a nationwide programme of events taking place across England, Scotland and Wales encouraging visitors to learn more about the sport. Photo credit Jas Lehal/PA Media Assignments

Throughout the week, the sport aims to bring racing closer to people of all ages and backgrounds, giving those, particularly in city locations, the chance to get up close with a horse, sometimes for the very first time.

National Racehorse Week takes place across England, Scotland and Wales and offers over 16,000+ free places at more than 90 venues, including racing yards, studs and racehorse retraining centres.

Jordan Banjo, TV personality and Diversity dance group member, attended National Racehorse Week for the first time this year at the London pop-up. Speaking on his experience he said: “I met a racehhorse for the first time recently and it’s safe to say I had a great time and left with a true admiration for these powerful animals.

“National Racehorse Week is so cool because there’s a whole week dedicated to being able to meet the athletes, which is something you don’t typically see in other sports.”

His wife, influencer Naomi Banjo, who also attended said: “I’ve always had a love for horses, so find National Racehorse Week such a lovely opportunity to get the whole family together to explore and learn more about the animal that means so much to me. It is also amazing to be able to see racehorses up close and realise how big and strong yet gentle and kind they really are.”

Today alone, 13 events have taken place across the country with an additional 51 to take place by the 31st of August.

The racing pop-up will also visit Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth on the 29th of August.

To find an event near you visit the National Racehorse Week website.