Thousands enjoy stables open event

7:40am Saturday 22nd March 2008

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MORE than 5,000 people ignored the threat of appalling weather to attend the annual Middleham stables open event yesterday.

An estimated £21,000 was raised during the day - which is sponsored by The Northern Echo - with local charities due to benefit from a large percentage of the takings.

Fifteen racehorse trainers in and around the North Yorkshire town opened their gates to the public.

Other attractions included performances by Leyburn Band, a country fair, market stalls, trade stands and the horses and hounds of the West of Yore Hunt.

Robert Beaumont, event spokesman, said the day was a huge success, despite the number of visitors being slightly down on last year.

He said: "In the circumstances, it was a hugely enjoyable day.

"With Easter being early, concerns about Middleham bridge and an appalling weather forecast, numbers were slightly down.

"But feedback was very good and Middleham was buzzing and looking at its best in the sunshine.

"We are already making plans for next year."

Horse racing has been at the heart of Middleham since the 18th Century, when race meetings were held on the High Moor.

Today, 17 of England's top flat and national hunt trainers are based in and around the town, with more than 500 horses in training.

The Good Friday event was opened by Richmond MP William Hague and media personality Kathryn Apanowicz.

Mr Hague said Middleham was a tremendous success story and fully deserved its reputation as the finest racing centre in the North of England.

Refreshments were provided in the Methodist Chapel Hall, Middleham Church and Key Centre.

Racing enthusiasts were bussed in courtesy coaches from nearby Leyburn.

Before the event, concerns were raised that work on the bridge linking Middleham and Leyburn would not be completed in time.

However, improvements to give the bridge a steel-reinforced concrete deck were completed a day ahead of schedule.

The Wensleydale Railway ran an early morning train for the event.

The open event has raised an estimated £250,000 in the 14 years since the first was held in 1994.