Fellowes hopes Newmarket open weekend can bring youngsters into racing industry

Charlie Fellowes will oversee the upcoming 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend as chairman for the first time with the two-day event restored to its old slot to tie in with racing on September 22-23.

The up-and-coming trainer has opened his doors every year since he started training in 2014 and is hoping this year's event can inspire younger people to get into the sport.

He said: “I think the 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend benefits the whole town and racing on lots of different levels. First and foremost, it introduces new people to our sport. I know a lot of people go racing but, as for actual participation in the horseracing industry, I don’t think our conversion rate is good enough.

"Maybe kids will visit and think this is an industry they would really like to work in. It is well documented that there is a stable staff shortage. We can try to attract new people to work in the industry and think ‘what an amazing job'."

Among the 20 trainers scheduled to open their yards are Roger Varian, David Simcock, Ed Dunlop, Hugo Palmer and James Fanshawe. The Hamilton Road is set to be busier than ever this year with top jumper Kalashnikov likely to be a big draw at Amy Murphy's yard.

Also opening their doors are the British Racing School, Jockey Club Rooms, Tattersalls (where there will be a talk by John Gosden and Tom Goff), Rossdales Vets, Newmarket Equine Hospital, the National Stud and the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art.

Ticket prices start at £15, with children under 12 attending for free. To purchase tickets, and for a full list of events taking place over the weekend, visit www.newmarketopenweekend.co.uk

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