Trainers' open day deemed a huge success as racing enthusiasts enjoy rare access

A national open day initiative designed to give racing enthusiasts unprecedented levels of access to trainers' yards has been hailed a success by those involved, although a cursory glance at social media on Saturday had already illustrated the popularity of the occasion.

Gordon Elliott, Henry de Bromhead, Mick Halford and Joseph O'Brien were among 28 trainers to open their doors to the public, but the Horse Racing Ireland-coordinated event also proved a big hit with smaller-scale handlers around the country.

From James Dullea in Cork to Keith Watson in Armagh, and from Richard O'Brien in Limerick to John McConnell in Meath, racing yards of all shapes and sizes in every corner of the country welcomed an aggregate of over 2,000 visitors to the various premises.

Grand National winner Silver Birch was a popular attraction at Gordon Elliott's yardCredit: Alex Cairns

It provided a generous amount of behind-the-scenes insight for attendees, who only needed to register online to avail of the free admission. Twitter was alive with content throughout Saturday, as patrons were treated to many aspects of a horse's training routine, including galloping, schooling, stalls practice and swimming.

At McConnell's, those in attendance were also privy to the daring endeavours of a part-time stunt-rider.

A brainchild of the HRI ownership department, reaction to the open day was summed up by Limerick-based O'Brien, who tweeted on Monday: "Big thank you to @HRIowners for all the help with Saturday's open day. Was a bit daunted by the whole thing but it was lovely to see it so well attended. I'm not sure it will make much of a difference to ownership numbers in the short term but it has to be a good thing for racing.

"For the public to have access to days like this pushes racing into the forefront of people's minds. The more they're thinking of us the better chance we have. HRI due loads of credit, big effort, big investment and a big thumbs up this side."

A pair of young racing fans enjoy themselves at Dot Love's yardCredit: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Carlow-based Shark Hanlon was even more encouraged that the initiative would generate business, stating: “We had a brilliant day. We had about 130 people through the yard. We’ve a number of horses available for lease which visitors were interested in. I’m hopeful we will do business on the back of it.”

Jason Morris, HRI's director of racing, said the governing body was also pleased with the response.

"We're extremely pleased with the feedback from the first national racehorse trainer open morning. With over 2,000 visitors attending yards spread right across the country, it has certainly helped to raise the profile of racing nationwide.

"The event was designed to allow people to look behind the scenes and to see for themselves the expert attention that racehorses receive and the dedication of those involved in caring for them.

"We are very grateful to the trainers who supported this initiative and we hope that this event will have encouraged people to become involved with them in the thrills of racehorse ownership.”

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