THE HENRY CECIL OPEN WEEKEND EXCITED TO WELCOME VISITORS TO NEWMARKET THIS SEPTEMBER

Following a record year in 2021, the Henry Cecil Open Weekend is looking forward to welcoming visitors once again to British horseracing’s HQ on Saturday 17^th and Sunday 18^th September 2022.

Each September, racing and equine enthusiasts descend on Newmarket for an action-packed weekend of events and a chance to delve behind the scenes at Britain’s best-known racing yards. Last year saw George Boughey and Harry Eustace open, both now Royal Ascot winning trainers, as well as Charlie Fellowes, James Ferguson, Roger Varian and Simon & Ed Crisford, to name just a few.

The highest number of yards opened to the public in 2021, with record crowds raising £60,000 for the event’s chosen charity partners. The 2022 Henry Cecil Open Weekend will continue to support the racing industry and its workforce whilst also supporting the local community.

Money raised this year will be donated to the long-term charity partner and main beneficiary Racing Welfare, as well as the National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket Day Centre and the Newmarket Heath Ambulance, a fundraising initiative to purchase a quick response unit for work riders on Newmarket Heath.

The Henry Cecil Open Weekend marks the beginning of The Newmarket Gold Season, a four-week period which showcases Newmarket as a hub for the international horse racing industry, and the finale of National Racehorse Week (10^th-18^th September) – a nationwide annual celebration of the racehorse and the care they receive from racing staff.

Charlie Fellowes, Chairman of The Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said:

 “Last year we saw huge numbers of visitors to Newmarket during the Henry Cecil Open Weekend. It was fantastic to see and for everyone to experience all that our town has to offer.”

“A huge thank you must go to all those who continually support the event and enable the Open Weekend to happen. A particular thanks to all the trainers, racing staff, volunteers and participants, without whom the event would not be possible.”

“The Henry Cecil Open Weekend provides a unique insight and behind the scenes access into racing life in Newmarket and is a highlight for many horseracing fans.  We are very much looking forward to the weekend and raising as much money as possible for our charity partners.”

George Boughey, Newmarket based Classic winning trainer, said: “We had a lot of people visit last year and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again this year. It is great that we can welcome people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see the yards.’

“It is a chance to see all the horses behind-the-scenes and see all the hard work that goes in from all the staff.  The show jumping is always a highlight, it brings a good crowd with some great riders showing off their talents.”

James Ferguson, Newmarket based trainer, added: “We need to try and gather as many people into this sport as we possibly can, and the Henry Cecil Open Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to do that. Everyone involved does a tremendous job at promoting our sport and the fact it is for charity is a bonus, but I just love seeing the look on people’s faces when they come to the yard.’

“Aside from the yards opening there’s some lovely events that go on, from the gymkhanas to the dog show, to the inter-yard events. You always see the competitive streak in the stable lads and lasses, especially the trainers.”

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