A TOWN fast becoming the racing capital of the north opens its doors again at Easter.

The Middleham open day is now an established event on the equestrian calendar and people are expected to turn up in their thousands on Good Friday.

Sixteen stables will be open to the public as well as the state-of-the-art equine pool and a stud where new foals may be on show.

Middleham trainers scooped £3 million between them in prize money last year, winning 275 flat races - the most were recorded by Mark Johnston of Kingsley House, who managed a personal best for his stables of 134 wins.

George Moore of Warwick Lodge only needs a handful more victories to take his tally over 700 this year while George Duffield of Sun Hill Farm at Constable Burton will have fond memories of 2002 as it was the year he was awarded the MBE for services to racing.

Gates at Middleham are open between 9.30am and 1pm on Friday, April 18, and entry for the over 12s is £5.

A ticket entitles the holder to admission to all the stables and free transport on shuttle buses running between them throughout the day.

More details are available by phoning (01969) 624502 or online at www.middlehamstablesopenevent.co.uk