FINAL preparations are underway to give the public a rare glimpse behind the scenes in the racing industry.

For more than 20 years the Middleham Stables Open Day has been a magnet for horse racing fans when several thousand visitors descend on the town, attracted by the opportunity to see over 500 valuable racehorses close at hand. Last year due to fears of bad weather and with an early Easter, the event was cancelled.

This year’s open day will be on Easter Monday, April 17, from 9.30am, instead of the usual Good Friday slot, giving fans the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes at 12 of the town’s working yards.

Mark Johnson, Carl Burke, Micky Hammond and James Bethell, along with many other trainers, will be on hand to answer questions on the finer points of racehorse training.