'I’ve seen how getting close to these incredible animals impacts people' - National Racehorse Week kicks off on Saturday

National Racehorse Week is being staged during the school summer holidays for the first time and returns on Saturday with its most ambitious and wide-reaching programme yet.

Running for nine days until Sunday, August 31, the event aims to connect new audiences with racing and includes the opening of 67 training yards, ten studs and seven retraining centres to the public. 

Nicky Henderson, Hugo Palmer, Ben Pauling and David Menuisier are among those throwing open their doors, while the National Stud and Juddmonte are also on the roster.

Since its launch in 2021 more than 50,000 people have attended free open days, with a further 140 community events staged nationwide. This year, more than 12,000 free places are available across 91 public events, while 50 additional sessions will be held in care homes, schools and city centres.

• Watch highlights of National Racehorse Week 2024

New partnerships for 2025 include collaborations with the Urban Equestrian Academy, the Pony Club and Riding for the Disabled groups across the country. Pony racing academies will also host events designed to inspire the next generation.

In another first, Arena Racing Company will offer every attendee a complimentary ticket to one of its fixtures between August 23 and the end of December, while Newbury and Musselburgh will rename meetings in celebration of the week.

Gabi Whitfield, head of welfare communications at Great British Racing, said: “The best way for racing to connect with the public, outside racedays, is through National Racehorse Week. I’ve seen how getting close to these incredible animals for the first time impacts people and the impression it leaves on them.”

This year's Urban Stable will take place in Chester's city centre Credit: Jon Super/PA Media Assignments

Read these next:

‘We’re trying to create a dynasty’ - Amo Racing smash Arqana record with €3,000,000 Night Of Thunder filly 

Hollie Doyle loses retainer to owner Imad Al Sagar and is replaced by Oisin Murphy 

Delacroix returns to top of Juddmonte International market after sole Aidan O'Brien runner catches bookies 'a bit by surprise' 

To celebrate The Story of Horseracing in 20 Races, the Racing Post's big weekly series for 2025, you can get your first month of Racing Post+ Ultimate for £20 when you sign up via web using code STORY20 – that's a whopping 60% discount. Available only to new and returning customers. Subscription will auto-renew at £49.95 unless you call our cancellation line to cancel. Sign up now.