RACING fans will have the opportunity to see behind the scenes at the yards of some of North Yorkshire’s best-known trainers next month.

The Malton Festival of Racing, on Sunday, September 16, is again being generously sponsored by Arena Racing Company.

Those opening their yard gates to the public this year include Richard Fahey, John Quinn and Tim Easterby.

Visitors will also have the chance to look around one of racing’s crown jewels in the form of the Injured Jockeys Fund northern rehabilitation centre, Jack Berry House.

After meeting racehorses, stable staff and trainers in the morning, visitors are invited to enjoy a wide range of attractions on Highfield Gallops in the afternoon, where there will be something to appeal to all the family.

The programme includes a jockeys’ relay show jumping competition, dog show - which is open to all - and terrier racing, not to mention an array of tempting food, drink and shopping stalls to indulge in. There will also be a children’s face painting area, bucking bronco and a ‘grand national’ inflatable game.

Event organisers Racing Welfare will be the main beneficiary charity of the day, with a proportion of the funds raised also going to local causes.

Racing Welfare has a significant presence in Malton, providing wide-ranging support to all of those in the area who work in, or are retired from racing.

The charity’s regional office at 4, Old Maltongate provides a base for two Welfare Officers as well as safe, secure accommodation for six young people starting out on their careers. Retired racing staff in the Malton area are also well catered for with monthly coffee mornings, trips and outings and the Sporting Memories reminiscence project, all of which aim to prevent loneliness and social isolation within the community.

Sarah Fanning, Regional Welfare Manager for the North at Racing Welfare said “The Malton Festival of Racing, incorporating the Stables Open Day, is a key event for the horseracing industry in the area. It helps to highlight the success of racing in the North of England and provides a special opportunity for racing fans and local people to see the hard work that takes place behind the scenes in the sport.”

Tickets to the event are on sale now at www.maltonfestivalofracing.co.uk with adult tickets £10, concessions £7.50 and free for 16 and under. Tickets will be available to purchase on the day.