A Royal event

Her Majesty The Queen’s horse to canter at The Betfair Newmarket Open Day

On Sunday 21st September Newmarket hosts its third Betfair Newmarket Open Day. The Charity event, which has been a phenomenal success in showcasing the country’s finest racing talents to the public, will kick off at 9am with a star studded series of equine athletes exercising on the Warren Hill Gallops. This year Her Majesty The Queen’s horse Estimate, winner of the Ascot Gold Cup in 2013 and most recently the Doncaster Cup, will join the line-up. During her appearance her trainer Sir Michael Stoute will be interviewed by Racing UK’s Oli Bell. Detailed commentary throughout provides an invaluable insight into the daily work regimes of these fine athletes. The trainers yards will then be open from 9.30am until 12.30pm.

The Open Day is full of new delights this year star mare Ouija Board, mother of this year’s dual Derby winner Australia, will be on show and parading at Stanley House Stud between 10.30am and midday. There is also a chance to get up close and personal with the town’s most recent stars such as Roger Varian’s 2014 St Leger winner Kingston Hill, who will parade at 11am at Kremlin House Stables.

The British Racing School has a treat in store for their visitors as Yogi Breisner, performance manager for the British Eventing team, will be holding demonstrations throughout the morning with the 2008 Cheltenham Festival winner Our Vic and a few of his stable companions from the BRS. This will involve schooling over show jumps in the outdoor arena and also a few hurdles and chase fences on the gallops.

There will be the chance to view a state-of-the-art equine health installation known as a Seawalker. Located at Charlcombe Lodge Stables on Hamilton Road, and part of Darley’s pre-training operation, the seawater filled horse walker is one of only a handful in Britain and is used to recreate the healing effects of walking horses on the seashore. Darley plan to have the equipment on show during the morning at the yard and demonstrations will take place at 10am, 11am and 12pm.

Leading trainer John Gosden and Tom Goff from Blandford Bloodstock will be in the ring at Tattersalls, Europe’s leading racehorse auction house, at 12.30pm. These two experts will be revealing the attributes they look for when searching for the next champion racehorse.

Fantastic prizes can be bid for at the silent auction such as a morning on the gallops and breakfast with top flat jockey, Ryan Moore and Michael Holding, the famous cricketer, kindly donated by trainer Sir Michael Stoute. For those that are not so racing orientated, perhaps half a day in the studio of ITV Chat Show host Jeremy Kyle, after being chauffeur driven to the studio is more appealing? See behind the scenes and have lunch with Jeremy Kyle before watching his show live.

The afternoon will focus on entertainment at The Rowley Mile Racecourse, with a number of exciting displays, activities and tradestands. There are four teams competing in the football this year with At The Races and The Racing Post joining the line up alongside the trainers and the 2013 champions, the jockeys. For the first time The Betfair Newmarket Open Day will welcome the wonderful Gary Witheford, one of the country’s leading ‘horse whisperers’ to hold a demonstration, this will also be the official public ‘launch’ for his new book, If Horses Could Talk, which is co-written by award-winning journalist and author, Brough Scott. Both Brough and Gary will be in attendance on the day to sign the books.

“The Newmarket Open Day is a fantastic opportunity for the community to showcase exactly what the town and the racing industry has to offer.  We are thrilled to be involved in an event that, not only allows the public and racing enthusiasts to get an insight into all that is involved in a racing yard, but also supports four fantastic and worthy charities.  We are looking forward to opening the Bedford House Stables gates and meeting everyone on the day.” Luca Cumani – Bedford House Stables

“Newmarket is a unique and historic place and has been the epicentre of horseracing for centuries. The Betfair Newmarket Open Day is a fantastic family day out and provides a rare opportunity to look behind the scenes in this remarkable town as well as raising much needed funds for deserving charities” Hugo Palmer – Kremlin Cottage Stables

Tickets are £15. Children 12 and under go free.

Twitter: @NKTOPENDAY

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newmarketopenday

Website: www.newmarketopenday.co.uk

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