Up close and PERSONAL

Have you ever wondered what goes into training a thoroughbred to win a race like the Grand National? In truth, it takes a lot of love, care and attention to detail from a large team of people. From 9-17 September, you can come and see that first hand at a yard in your area, as part of National Racehorse Week.

More than 130 venues including yards, studs and retraining centres nationwide will be throwing their stable doors open to the public, so you can experience the inner workings of a racing operation first hand – for free.

See just how fast a racehorse gallops, how much they eat a day, how they spend their downtime, and just how much time and a ection goes into caring for a racehorse before, during and after their career. You can ask questions to the wonderful team who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

As part of the initiative that invites more than 14,000 members of the public to meet a racehorse, 40 community events will take place. Community events include engaging with school pupils through yard visits, as well as racehorses visiting care homes, hospitals and inner city schools. Throughout the week, the industry aims to bring racing closer to people of all ages and backgrounds, giving those, particularly in city locations, the chance to get close to a horse, sometimes for the very first time. The community visits will give those who may not have the chance to visit a venue the opportunity to meet a racehorse, to learn about the racing industry, and the wonderful lives current and retired racehorses lead. National Racehorse Week promises a unique and insightful day out for all the family, surrounded by animals and beautiful countryside. These open days will showcase a range of activities which varies from yard to yard, but all will o er the chance to meet racehorses in training, as well as the muchloved stable stars who have retired. Some yards even have purposefully designed equine swimming pools, an activity most horses enjoy. Physiotherapists, chiropractors and farriers (who put the horse’s shoes on) are an intrinsic part of any trainers' yard, and many open days will o er demonstrations and insight into this all-important aspect of horse management and welfare.

To book your visits during National Racehorse Week visit nationalracehorseweek.uk