THIS year's popular Middleham Stables Open Day has been cancelled amid fears over bad weather.

The event traditionally takes place on Good Friday, however the trainers were worried the early Easter increased the chance of the open day being hampered by the weather.

A proposal to change the date to a Sunday in May was considered, but only received a lukewarm response, according to James Bethell, chairman of Middleham and District Trainers Association.

He said: "The weather is vitally important and it was felt that an early Easter could mean poor weather.

“The proposed move to May wasn’t popular and so it is with regret we have cancelled this year’s event.

“I am sure it is disappointing to our regular visitors, however I hope our loyal supporters will look forward to next year when we plan to put on a bumper open day.”

The next event is now planned to take place on Good Friday April 14, 2017.

The Mayor of Middleham Tammi Tolhurst was equally stoical.

She said: “It is very unfortunate that the open day will not take place this year.

“The Stables Open Day is good for both the town of Middleham and the area. However we can look forward to next year’s event.

“I fully support the proposed move to have a fixed date for Easter towards the end of April; it would remove the uncertainty faced when attempting to organise these sorts of events. It is long overdue.”

The open day first took place on Good Friday 1993.

Founders Raye Wilkinson and Chris Thornton wanted to highlight the town’s position as a centre of racehorse training.

Since then it has grown to an event which sees several thousand visitors descend on Middleham, attracted by the opportunity to see more than 500 valuable racehorses at close hand.

Over the years well-known horses such Neptune Colognes and Trooper Middleham have been on show.

Two years ago with Good Friday racing given the green light from the British Horseracing Authority, two new flat fixtures at Lingfield Park and Musselburgh threatened the future of the Middleham Stables Open Day.

However the event continued successfully with proceeds from the day going to local good causes.