The Return of a Celebrated Event
National Racehorse Week, organised by Great British Racing, is set to return for its fourth year, taking place from September 7-15. This eagerly anticipated event, aimed at showcasing equine welfare, will feature 132 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales. With over 12,000 free spaces available to the public at training yards, studs, and retraining centres, the event has already seen more than 4,000 bookings within the first few days, reflecting its growing popularity. Interested participants can book their spots through nationalracehorseweek.uk.
Expanding Participation and Outreach
Originally conceived by trainer Richard Phillips, this year's event will see participation from 91 training yards, including renowned names such as Nicky Henderson, Charlie & Mark Johnston, Kim Bailey, and David Pipe. Additionally, nine studs and ten retraining centres will open their doors to visitors, providing a comprehensive look at the life cycle of racehorses. New participants for 2024 include Shadwell, the National Stud, and Godolphin’s Lifetime Care rehoming centre.
Kim Bailey, a racehorse trainer, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasising the importance of transparency in the racing industry. He noted that National Racehorse Week has been a tremendous success, growing from just 40 visitors in its first year to over 300 in the previous September.
The events range from intimate gatherings of 25 people to large open days accommodating between 500-800 visitors, hosted by trainers such as Rebecca Menzies, Olly Murphy, Oliver Greenall, and Josh Guerriero. This year, the week will be framed by open days in Malton, North Yorkshire, on September 8, and the Henry Cecil Open Weekend in Newmarket on September 21-22, bringing the total number of locations to 132. These events are ticketed, with proceeds benefiting Racing Welfare and the Newmarket Housing Trust.
Impact and Future Prospects
Since its launch in 2021, National Racehorse Week has offered over 48,000 free places, allowing the public to experience the lives of racehorses and meet the dedicated individuals who care for them. Gabi Whitfield, Head of Welfare Communications at Great British Racing, highlighted the unique nature of the event, noting that no other top-tier sport offers such extensive public access. The initiative, combined with ongoing efforts by the Horse Welfare Board and the HorsePWR campaign, continues to build trust and engagement with the public.
National Racehorse Week extends beyond open days, with racehorses visiting schools, hospitals, charities, and community groups, reaching an additional 4,000 people. This year, the goal is to deliver 60 community events, engaging an extra 3,500 individuals. Tansy Challis, Chief Executive at the Racing Foundation, praised the collaborative effort behind the event, emphasising its role in connecting new audiences to the sport.
Funded by The Racing Foundation, with support from the Racing Post, Godolphin, and the Horserace Betting Levy Board, National Racehorse Week is the sport’s largest campaign to offer a behind-the-scenes look at racing. Post-event research indicates a significant impact on attendees, with 92% of newcomers reporting a positive change in their opinion about horse welfare and 94% of all attendees leaving with a favourable impression of racing.
Racehorsetrainers like Dave Loughnane and Oliver Greenall have witnessed first-hand the positive effects of the event. Loughnane recounted an instance where a visitor's negative perception of the sport was transformed, leading them to advocate for others to experience it. Greenall highlighted the event's role in engaging young people, noting that sparking interest at a young age could lead to lifelong fans.
In conclusion, National Racehorse Week continues to grow in popularity and impact, providing an unparalleled opportunity for the public to engage with the world of horse racing and witness the dedication to equine welfare. The event not only showcases the beauty and strength of Thoroughbreds but also strengthens community bonds and fosters a deeper appreciation for the sport.