RE your story about the future of the racing stables open day at Middleham, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, hanging on a decision by the British Horseracing Board on introducing Good Friday racing – the normal date for the open day – from next year (Echo, Jan 12).

Having previously attended the open day, we fully support this delightful and important event.

The racing calendar is, indeed, overloaded and the number of racing “free” days are minimal now.

British racing is sadly tied to having to race to keep going – but with will and people, we are confident this special day can continue.

Both Middleham and Lambourn, in Berkshire, lead the way now in these open days since Newmarket decided some years ago to stop putting on this event.

Let’s hope the fixture list does not dictate to us, but also that stable staff are consulted over this, and feel involved and valued, especially as their time and effort are needed.

If new ways of putting on this “show” need finding, let us do that. In the meantime, keep it as it is and enjoy. On behalf of three who did.

Peter Hadden, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham.