Burrow Seven's trainer O'Keeffe hoping for bumper Middleham Open Day turnout

Jedd O'Keeffe is among those looking forward to welcoming the public on Middleham Open Day, which looks set for a big turnout with better than ever advance sales.

He is among 12 trainers throwing open their doors on Friday for an event which has not taken place since 2019 due to the pandemic.

"It's brilliant to have it back and it looks like the weather is going to be good, so we're looking forward to welcoming all the people who want to look round the stables," said O'Keeffe.

"It means a lot because we like to promote Middleham as a racing town and a tourist attraction with the beautiful castle. I'm sure it will be a good day."

Among the attractions at O'Keeffe's yard is promising hurdler Burrow Seven, who is named after rugby league legend Rob Burrow and raises money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Leeds Hospital Charities.

Jedd O'Keeffe and Burrow Seven: 'He'll be really popular'Credit: Richard Addison

"He'll be really popular," the trainer said. "I'm sure a lot of people will want to come and see him. He's finished for the season now but he's on site and he's a lovely character, and it's a great story."

The open day is a hugely important fund-raising event for Racing Welfare, whose media and communications officer Chloe Martin said: "Pre-sales have gone better than in previous years, so we're hoping for a bumper crowd.

"It's the first time for three years we've had these sort of events in person and perhaps people have missed it and are keen to be back."

Most yards will be opening from 9.30am to 1pm, with Ann Duffield and Phillip Makin's yards at Sun Hill Farm open from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Read more about Middleham Open Day:

Middleham Open Day set to return on Good Friday for first time since 2019

Racing Welfare 'delighted' as Middleham Open Day attracts record crowd

Middleham welcomes the world – nothing forbidden here

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