A North Yorkshire horseracing community is preparing to welcome thousands of people to its yards for its annual Good Friday open day.

Eight local trainers will be throwing open their doors to the public on Friday, March 29 for the Arena Racing Company (ARC) sponsored Middleham Open Day, which raises vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare.

Among those getting involved is former jockey Karl Burke at Spigot Lodge, who has been plying his trade in the training ranks since 1991. His yard will be open from 10.30 to 12.30pm.

Karl was the leading northern-based trainer in 2023 with 126 winners in total and approaching £4,000,000 in total prize money. His stable includes exciting filly Fallen Angel, a leading contender for Newmarket’s Qipco 1,000 Guineas in May.

The Northern Echo: One of Karl Burke's stable stars Fallen Angel, left, ridden here by Daniel Tudhope, wins the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh in September last yearOne of Karl Burke's stable stars Fallen Angel, left, ridden here by Daniel Tudhope, wins the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh in September last year (Image: PA)

Karl’s daughter Kelly, also a rider and yard secretary, said: “We’re all looking forward to welcoming people to Spigot Lodge again where they can meet some of our Group 1 horses including Fallen Angel. We like to get involved with Middleham Open Day to support Racing Welfare because they do plenty for the staff and everyone involved in the industry.”

Ticketholders will be able to access the following yards: Ben Haslam; Charlie Johnston; Micky Hammond; Karl Burke; Neil Mechie; Jedd O’Keeffe; Ed Bethell; and Danny Brooke.

The Northern Echo: Middleham Open Day typically atracts about 3,500 people to the town, raising vital funds for organisers Racing WelfareMiddleham Open Day typically atracts about 3,500 people to the town, raising vital funds for organisers Racing Welfare (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Shetland pony Little Alf, star of best-selling author Hannah Russell’s series of children's books in the marketplace during the morning between yard visits.

In the afternoon, the Low Moor will provide the stage for two Retraining of Racehorses classes, a demo from New Beginnings featuring popular former racehorse Burrow Seven, as well as the ever-competitive inter-yard stable staff challenge and Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog show.

Popular Household Cavalry horse Trooper Middleham will also be in attendance for one final time before he hangs up his shoes and heads into retirement.

The Northern Echo: Middleham Open Day open day is an annual highlight for the North Yorkshire town's racing communityMiddleham Open Day open day is an annual highlight for the North Yorkshire town's racing community (Image: STUART BOULTON)

Racing Welfare’s local welfare officer, Gail Burton-Pye, who is based in the town, said: “Each year the event attracts people from all across the country, allowing them to come and see the fantastic facilities Middleham’s training yards have to offer, meet their favourite horses and chat to the staff who care for them so well.

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"It’s a great day out for followers of racing as well as families with all the afternoon activities on the Low Moor to enjoy after visiting the yards in the morning. We’re extremely grateful to all the trainers who have generously agreed to support the event once again and look forward to welcoming our visitors on Friday.”

Discounted advance tickets are available before 11.55pm on Thursday (March 28) from www.middlehamopenday.co.uk at £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for concessions, while under 16s go free.

Tickets can also be purchased on the day from the parking areas, the Racing Welfare gazebo in Middleham Marketplace and at the entrance to the open yards.