Middleham Racing Stables Open Day
Not all our guests know that our neighbouring village just 2 miles away is home to 500 top racehorses, 15 trainers, miles of gallops and therefore a large number of stable hands, jockeys and grooms. It is a big set up in this neck of the woods and training starts early each morning to get all those horses exercised and in peak condition. You can see the horses out on the lower hills above Wensleydale from the bedroom window of Room 6. Better still, it’s possible to drive up to the gallops and watch the spectacle in person.
On Good Friday each year, the Stable Yards throw their doors open to the public. Henry and I have been lucky enough to be joined by my brother, Tim to attend the event for the last two years. Tim previously worked as a sporting journalist and broadcaster, specialising in horse racing so his expert knowledge of the sport adds to an already thoroughly enjoyable day. This year we managed to visit five yards in Middleham and up into Coverdale. Information about each horse is written outside their stable and of course, it’s easy to find a favourite to follow throughout the season.
As well as wandering around the yards, speaking to the yard staff and stable hands, admiring the thoroughbreds and watching them in the circular training pens, the yard teams compete against each other at tug-of-war, hay bale rolling and other crazy and fun antics! Stalls, charities, local produce and ice cream make this a great day out for all ages and we’ll be going again next year for sure to enjoy seeing more of what is happening right on our doorstep.
