Gordon Elliott's yard among more than 30 to open to the public in HRI initiative

Horse Racing Ireland’s ownership department and a group of trainers are linking up to enable racing fans and potential owners to enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience of racing yards at an open morning on Saturday, May 18.

More than 30 trainers from 12 counties will open their yards to members of the public who have registered at www.racehorseownership.ie/openmorning.

Among trainers taking part will be Henry de Bromhead, Joseph O’Brien, Gordon Elliott and Tracey Collins. A full list of trainers participating can be found on the website.

Racing fans will be given a tour of their chosen yards, watch horses exercise on the gallops, meet the team who look after the horses and get to ask the trainer any questions they may have about racing.

De Bromhead said: “I’m delighted to be one of the trainers taking part in this initiative. Generally speaking, a race meeting is the only opportunity for racing fans to get close to racehorses. However, it provides little insight into what actually happens at a professional racing yard in the build-up to racedays. I look forward to welcoming the visitors to my yard next month.”

Also welcoming the initiative, Collins said: “It’s important that trainers play their part in promoting the sport and what is involved in producing winners. The open morning is a great way to do this.”

Amber Byrne, owner development manager at HRI, said: “Places for the open morning are limited so I would encourage anyone interested in participating to register to avoid disappointment. It will be a free event but visitors must pre-register to attend. No walk-in visitors will be allowed access on the morning.”

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