The Henry Cecil Open Weekend will welcome equestrian enthusiasts back to Newmarket on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18 – offering a rare chance to delve behind the scenes at some of Britain’s best-known horseracing yards.
Named in memory of Sir Henry Cecil, the Henry Cecil Open Weekend is the grand finale of National Racehorse Week, a nationwide celebration of racehorses and the care they receive.
During the weekend, many of the UK’s top trainers will open their yards to the public, alongside some of Newmarket’s finest equine establishments, including Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons and the British Racing School.
The weekend begins on Saturday morning with a variety of Newmarket’s equestrian attractions offering tours. Visitors can start off their day with a trip to Peter O’Sullevan House, the Injured Jockeys Fund’s state-of-the-art fitness and rehabilitation centre, before making a brief walk across to the British Racing School, graduates of which include top jockeys Ryan Moore and Tom Marquand.
Racing fans can continue a jam-packed Saturday at the Jockey Club Rooms, the private members club widely known as the spiritual home of British horseracing. Here they can learn about the history of ‘the sport of kings’, explore the fine rooms and admire the impressive art on display.
Visitors can delve further into the sport’s history and enjoy the many other activities on offer at the National Horseracing Museum. General admission to the museum is half price during the Henry Cecil Open Weekend when you buy an Open Weekend ticket. This includes entrance to the museum, behind-the-scenes tours, access to the special exhibitions, meeting retired racehorses, and a ride on the racehorse simulator. Simply show your wristband in the shop to take advantage of the offer.
Other attractions include The National Stud – 500 acres of prime pastureland on the edge of Newmarket where you can meet resident stallions, mares and foals on guided tours conducted by Discover Newmarket – and Tattersalls, which is open to visitors at 12pm on Sunday for a fascinating pedigree talk from industry experts in its iconic sales ring.
Sunday morning begins on Warren Hill Gallops, sponsored by Tattersalls, where you will see a selection of Newmarket’s equine stars on the famous gallops. From here, visitors have behind-the-scenes access to the trainers’ yards, including Charlie Fellowes and Royal Ascot winning trainers Harry Eustace and George Boughey, to name just a few.
Attention then turns to the main arena on the Severals on Sunday afternoon. Grab your spot to watch the Qatar Racing Mounted Games, as trainers, jockeys, stable staff and children of all ages get involved in classic gymkhana team games.
Have a look at some of the stars of the past in the Parade of Retired Racehorses, sponsored by Al Shaqab, featuring The Big Orange and Prince of Arran, and enter your canine companions in the Blue Diamond Stud Fun Local Dog Show, with multiple classes to suit all breeds and sizes. Please note, however, that dogs are not permitted at the trainers’ yards.
Finally, enjoy top-class jumping action by Britain’s leading flat jockeys and trainers as they take part in the hugely popular Clipper Logistics Racing Personality Show Jumping Competition, previously won by classic winning jockeys Jamie Spencer and Andrea Atzeni.
The Henry Cecil Open Weekend is raising money for local and racing charities Racing Welfare, Newmarket Day Centre, National Horseracing Museum and Newmarket Health Ambulance.
For further information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thehenrycecilopenweekend.co.uk. Tickets start from £15 per person when purchased in advance. Children under 16 years of age go free all weekend.
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