FIFTEEN racing yards fling open their gates to the public at the annual Middleham stables open day on Good Friday.

Visitors have the chance to chat to trainers, jockeys and stable staff and watch horses swimming in the equine pool.

There is also a possibility of seeing new foals at Manor House Stud and meeting some of the town's 275 winners over the last year.

During 2002, Middleham yards broke the £3m barrier in prize money on the Flat for the first time. Its trainers sent out 275 winners on the Flat, with Mark Johnston seeing a personal best of 134 winners - his ninth consecutive century.

More than 500 horses are in training in the Middleham area, including this year's runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Truckers' Tavern, trained at Ferdy Murphy's Wynbury stables. Mr Murphy may also run Ballinclay King in this year's Grand National.

At Manor House stables, Patrick Haslam's display of horses includes China Castle, winner of 26 races, Nigel's Lad, winner of 23, and Devious Boy, an up and coming youngster who won three races last year and was second four times.

Haslam's also holds a raffle for a Florida holiday and promises a bouncy castle for children.

In the afternoon, George Duffield, who this year received an MBE, will be at Sun Hill Farm, Constable Burton, to sign his autobiography Gentleman George.

Syndicates will be on hand to talk about becoming involved in the sport without owning a horse.

Tickets for the day are £5, or £4 in advance, from the Middleham Key Centre, and give entry to all stables, the pool and stud and a bus pass to travel between the car parks, Middleham and outlying stables. Children under 12 are admitted free.

Organisers advise visitors to arrive at the car parks by 8.30 to allow plenty of time to get to the stables for opening at 9.30.

Stables open 9.30-1pm are: James Bethell, Tupgill; Carl Burke, Spigot Lodge; Andy Crook, Ashgill; Chris Fairhurst, Glasgow House; Micky Hammond, Oakwood; Patrick Haslam, Manor House; Mark Johnston, Kingsley; Kate Milligan, Castle; George Moore, Warwick Lodge; Ferdy Murphy, Wynbury, East Witton; Jedd O'Keefe, Brecongill; Chris Thornton and Kate Walton, both Sharp Hill Farm; and John Weymes, Ashgill. George and Ann Duffield's yard is open from 12.30-4pm, but is not on the bus route because of narrow lanes.

For information and tickets, ring 01969 624502, or see the web site www.middlehamstablesopenevent.co.uk