In pictures: crowds gather in the Epsom sun to celebrate National Racehorse week

National Racehorse Week runs from August 23-31 and as part of the celebrations, several yards in Epsom opened their doors to the public on a sweltering Bank Holiday Monday. 

The Racing Post's award-winning photographer Edward Whitaker was on hand to capture the occasion.

A family outside George Baker's Down House Stables with Epsom grandstands in the backgroundCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

A farrier demonstrates his art as Pat Phelan (right) opened his Ermyn Lodge Stables to the publicCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Children got to handle different types of horse shoes at the farrier demonstrationCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

A Shetland pony is groomed at Pat Phelan's Ermyn Lodge StablesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Members of the public get up close and personal with a horse at George Baker'sCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Families enjoy the surroundings at Pat Phelan's Ermyn Lodge StablesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

George Baker is all smilesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The inhabitants of George Baker's yard get some love and attentionCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Jim and Pip Boyle, pictured with with Dawn Goodfellow of Racing Welfare (centre), opened their South Hatch StablesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

George Baker's stables sparkles in the August sunshineCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

More on National Racehorse Week:

'The one thing we have over any other sport is that beautiful four-legged creature' - how National Racehorse Week shows racing at its best 

National Racehorse Week provides perfect chance to see the Seven Barrows stars and more in Lambourn