Sophie Mellett, Marketing Executive at the National Stud, talks about bringing communities together as part of National Racehorse Week

I’m Sophie Mellett, Marketing Executive at the National Stud. My first experience in the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry was as a student on the National Stud Diploma course in 2020, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Stud for giving me that first foot in the door. Returning three years ago, I am privileged to share the work we do with the wider community and to encourage more people to discover the racing industry.

National Racehorse Week is a highlight of the racing calendar for the Stud. It gives the chance to welcome visitors, showcase the care we give our horses, and connect the local community with the industry in a fun and accessible way. This year, events like our first Tickets for Troops visit allowed us to welcome families who might not have visited otherwise, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a racehorse.

Welcoming new audiences via Tickets for Troops

As part of National Racehorse Week, we ran our first Tickets for Troops event on August 26th – the charity secures tickets to members of the Armed Forces to attend events all around the UK. With so many military bases nearby, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with a new part of our local community. On the day, we welcomed five families, giving them the chance to experience the Stud. Later in the week, we’ll be hosting two more tours for even more visitors. For us, reaching new audiences and showing people the world of racing is always a success.

Experiencing the full lifecycle

One of the things I love about these events is being able to show visitors the full lifecycle of a racehorse. During the Tickets for Troops visit, families saw foals, spellers (horses here for short breaks during their training careers), and horses transitioning into breeding careers. We also introduced our Living Legends—famous retired horses who live at the Stud all year round. It’s always special to demonstrate the care and attention these horses receive at every stage of their lives, and our visitors really enjoyed seeing the different roles racehorses have throughout their careers.

Why National Racehorse Week matters

National Racehorse Week is so important because it connects the racing industry with the community in a tangible way. It’s a chance to show people not just the horses, but the care, dedication, and love that goes into looking after them. Visitors get to meet horses up close, see their personalities, and learn about the variety of careers available within racing. It’s also a great way for families to enjoy a fun, free day out during the summer holidays.

I’d always encourage anyone who hasn’t attended a National Racehorse Week event to go along. Walking into a yard full of thoroughbreds and being able to touch them is a remarkable experience. Seeing the different stages of a racehorse’s life – from foal to retirement -gives a real understanding of the care and commitment that goes into the sport.

National Racehorse Week is about opening doors and connecting communities with the racehorse. To explore the many community events taking place see here.

You can also discover the full programme of activities and see how to book your free place at an event near you by visiting the National Racehorse Week website.