Baaeed among stars on show to public as Henry Cecil Open Weekend goes ahead

The Henry Cecil Open Weekend in Newmarket on Saturday and Sunday will take place as planned.

The event had been in doubt after open days in Epsom and Malton were cancelled following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, but organisers have confirmed they will proceed while paying tribute to the Queen throughout the weekend and reflecting on her lifelong love of racing.

The weekend will begin with a number of equine sites open on Saturday such as the Jockey Club Rooms, British Racing School and National Stud, on a day when there is also racing on the Rowley Mile.

On Sunday, superstar Baaeed is expected to kick off the Tattersalls-sponsored gallops event on Warren Hill at 8am, before more than 25 yards open their doors at 9am.

Among them is James Ferguson, who is hoping to welcome visitors to his new yard at Kremlin Cottage Stables, formerly Hugo Palmer's base, for the first time.

In the afternoon there is the Clipper Logistics Racing Personality Showjumping and other events on the Severals.

Crowds gather on the gallops during the Open Weekend in 2019

For the first time, retired local stable staff will also have the added bonus of free entry for the first time.

In August, the Racing Post highlighted the case of retired jockey Fred Messer, who had been turned down for a wristband allowing free entry in the past. The organisers have now decided to allow all such Newmarket retirees free admission.

Organiser Stephen Wallis said: "All retired stable staff and all retired jockeys who lived and worked in Newmarket are able to get a free wristband from Racing Welfare's office on Park Lane.

"If Racing Welfare or the Injured Jockeys Fund know them, they will give them a free wristband for the Henry Cecil Open Weekend."

Wristbands are £20 on the gate with under 16s free. Click here for more details.

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