The 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend: A look at what’s on

Following the huge success of the 2015 Newmarket Open Weekend, in which a record amount of £50,000 was raised for its beneficiaries, the town of Newmarket is gearing up to open its doors again to the public on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September.

The weekend kicks off on Saturday at 8am with a chance to see top class racehorses put through their paces on the legendary Warren Hill Gallops.  In addition, there will be a number of equine sites available to visit throughout the day, including Rossdales Equine Hospital, the British Racing School, the National Stud and the historic Jockey Club Rooms. And, for the first time, the highly anticipated National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art will open its doors to the public for taster tours throughout both days.

The Rowley Mile will then host an excellent race meeting in the afternoon and will feature prominent trainers such as Roger Varian, George Margarson and William Haggas exclusively commentating on the live racing.  The Food and Drink Festival will again be taking place at the Rowley Mile all weekend with over 30 bespoke stalls showing off plenty of local produce which will be accessible from all enclosures.  There will also be the G’s Fresh Demonstration Kitchen with activities on both days and the crowning of the sausage King or Queen on the Sunday with the Love Pork East Anglian Sausage competition.

The main highlight of the weekend for many is the opportunity to get behind the scenes at Horseracing’s HQ and, on Sunday from 9am to 12:30pm, many top trainers are opening their yards, giving visitors a unique chance to catch a glimpse of their equine heroes and meet some of the world’s most famous trainers in person. The likes of Ed Dunlop, Luca Cumani, David Simcock and James Fanshawe will all be opening their historic stables which have sent out substantial Group 1 winners over the years, including recent Prix Jean Romanet Winner, Speedy Boarding.  The Newmarket Equine Hospital and Europe’s leading Bloodstock Auctioneer, Tattersalls, will be open to visitors too.

Following the morning activities, visitors can then return back to the Rowley Mile for an action packed afternoon of fun.  The Clipper Logistics Racing Personality Show Jumping is the feature entertainment of the day, with some of Newmarket’s best loved trainers and jockeys entered in the competition which starts at 3pm. Competitors include the likes of top jockey Andrea Atzeni, former leading female jockey Hayley Turner and Classic winning trainer Roger Varian to name but a few.  An exciting first for the Open Weekend this year will be the inaugural Newmarket vs Lambourn football match which will take place on Sunday afternoon. Captained by classic winning trainer, Charlie Hills, a Lambourn team will be taking on Newmarket’s finest in what will be a competitive affair with bragging rights up for grabs. The Waitrose Stable Staff Games will also take place on Sunday afternoon, alongside free on course entertainment including face painting and pony rides for children attending on the day.

Sara Cumani, Chairman of 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend, said;

“It was brilliant to welcome thousands of visitors to the town for the Newmarket Open Weekend last year and we are currently putting the final preparations together to ensure that the newly sponsored 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend will be as enjoyable and entertaining.

“This is a great way to showcase the town whilst also raising much needed funds for our chosen and very worthy charities. We very much look forward to welcoming you all to Newmarket next month for an action packed weekend.”

Tickets are still available for both days with kids under 18 going FREE all weekend.  For more information regarding all the activities taking place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September please visit phpstack-25489-1437829.cloudwaysapps.com.