ANN and George Duffield are hosting a special Yearling Parade at their stables near Leyburn on Sunday, November 16.

The parade has been organised by the Duffields to showcase the 30-or-so yearlings they bought at recent sales at Newmarket, Doncaster and Fairyhouse.

Ann Duffield said: “The yearlings on display include 12 colts and 16 fillies, plus the highly-rated two-year-old group horse, Astrophysics, and have each cost between £6,000 and £130,000. We are exceptionally excited about them.

“They are without a doubt the most exciting looking bunch we have had with the potential to become seriously good two-year-olds next year and follow in the footsteps of other previous stable stars such as Willie the Whipper, Melody of Love and George Dryden.

“George Dryden, who stormed home by six lengths in his first race at Pontefract in July, was sired by leading first season’s sire Zebedee and was bought for only £11,000. Zebedee has also sired some of the yearlings on display on Sunday. Other sires include New Approach, Dark Angel and Dutch Art, all of whom are top-class stallions.”

The morning, which begins at 11am with the yearling parade at Sun Hill Stables, Constable Burton, will be anchored by Simon Mapletoft, the well-known broadcaster and journalist with Sky TV's At The Races.

Racing legend George Duffield MBE and talented Sun Hill stable jockey, P J McDonald, will also be on hand to talk to guests and answer questions about horses, racing and ownership.

Further information on the event is available from Robert Beaumont on 01423 323139 or 07710 127713.

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WETHERBY’s annual Totepool & CIU charity racecday takes place on Saturday (November 15), with the twin highlights being a handicap chase for stayers over three miles and one furlong and a handicap hurdle contest over an extended two miles.

Yorkshire-trained horses won both races last year, with No Planning taking the handicap chase for trainer Sue Smith and Zaplamation landing the handicap hurdle contest for Malton handler John Quinn.

Saturday’s seven-race programme begins at 12.25pm, and the afternoon’s activities are supported by members of the Club & Institute Union Racing Club, with funds being raised for the CIU’s holiday and convalescent centre at Saltburn on the Yorkshire coast.

There will be a preview of the afternoon’s racing in the winners’ enclosure prior to racing, and there is a free shuttle bus service between Wetherby Bus Station before racing, and for up to an hour after the final race.