Lots of big names on show as Newmarket's trainers open their doors to the public

A blockbuster weekend of big-name stars, exclusive behind-the-scenes access and events takes place in Newmarket on Saturday and Sunday as the Henry Cecil Open Weekend brings down the curtain on the inaugural National Racehorse Week in Britain.

Racing fans will get the chance to experience all of the sights of the town across the two days, with action taking place on the Rowley Mile on Saturday, featuring the Commentator Challenger, where six Newmarket trainers will take turns calling the runners and riders.

Visitors to the town on Saturday will also be able to go to the British Racing School, the National Stud and the Jockey Club Rooms, while brilliant sprinter Battaash will be the star name for those making their way to the National Horseracing Museum in the town centre.

An early start will be required to those coming to Newmarket on Sunday, where the likes of John and Thady Gosden, William Haggas and Sir Mark Prescott will be showcasing their headliners on the Warren Hill gallops between 8-9am.

Baaeed, winner of the Group 1 Prix du Moulin, is a late addition to the line-up, joining stablemates Mohaafeth and Alenquer, while the likes of Alpinista, Stradivarius, Mishriff and Palace Pier, the second highest-rated horse in the world, are also being exercised.

A total of 30 yards are open for visitors between 9am-12.30pm, although those planning to attend Saeed bin Suroor's Godolphin Stables on the Bury Road will only be able to do so between 9am-10.30am.

Other prominent stables opening on Sunday include those of Ed Dunlop, William Jarvis, Hugo Palmer and Roger Varian, while the likes of George Boughey on Racecourse Side and Darryll Holland in Exning are also welcoming the public.

Open weekend chairman Charlie Fellowes, who will be opening his yard and parading his recently retired staying star Prince Of Arran, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming visitors back to Newmarket. We have a record number of yards opening to the public, which is a fantastic testament to both the weekend and National Racehorse Week."

Sunday afternoon activities in Newmarket include a talk by bloodstock agent Tom Goffs at Tattersalls plus a dog show and the Clipper Logistics Show Jumping competition on the Severals, where champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy will be among those taking part.

Children aged 16 and under are able to go free all weekend. More information, including how to buy tickets, is available at www.thehenrycecilopenweekend.co.uk.

Newmarket's open weekend completes the first ever National Racehorse Week, an idea first proposed by trainer Richard Phillips in the Racing Post in 2019 to allow the public more access to the sport.

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