PREPARATIONS are well underway for the annual Middleham Stables Open Day, which this year reverts to its traditional slot on Good Friday.

Last year’s event was staged on Easter Monday, but Friday, March 30 will see stables across Middleham opening to the public from 9.30am-1pm.

Mark Johnston will have a host of stars on show, and will also be swimming horses at his Kingsley House yard. Jedd O’Keefe will be showing off recent Stayers Hurdle favourite Sam Spinner, while Karl Burke’s Spigot Lodge yard is home to last year’s Group One winners Laurens and Unfortunately. There will also be a jumping demonstration and show of two-year-olds at James Bethell’s Thorngill stables at 11am.

As well as the yard visits, there will be market stalls and food offerings in Middleham, a craft fair at the Key Centre and a parade of local fox hounds. Household Cavalry horse ‘Trooper Middleham’ will be on show, along with celebrity pony ‘Little Alf’, star of author Hannah Russell’s books.

In the afternoon, events will move to the Low Moor, where planned activities include a show to music by Retraining of Racehorses, schooling of National Hunt horses from Micky Hammond’s stable, and an inter-yard competition between stable staff.

Last year’s event raised funds for Racing Welfare, which is building the planned Hill House development in memory of Jessica Bethell. Money was also donated to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled, Citizens Advice Bureau and Middleham Sports and Wellbeing Association.

Sarah Fanning, of Racing Welfare, said: “We are very excited for the 2018 Open Day. Middleham has so much racing history and some fantastic equine talent in the yards, and it will be a great opportunity for the public to come and see the likes of Cheltenham runner Sam Spinner and exciting horses for the 2018 Flat season.”

Tickets for the Open Day are on sale now at www.middlehamopenday.co.uk, with adult tickets priced at £10 and concessions at £7.50. Anyone aged 16 or under will be admitted free.