Peaky Blinders invade Newmarket - Monaghon Boy features on 1920s themed day

Newmarket will adopt a different atmosphere on Saturday when they host the first officially licensed Peaky Blinders raceday, with interactive performances and equine entertainment both on and off the track.

The July course will be dressed in 1920s themed decor, with racegoers encouraged to wear period-appropriate fashion, while there will also be live music and entertainment in keeping with the BBC hit drama that reaches season five later this year.

Racegoers will be treated to workshops from those who work behind the scenes on the show and will also get the opportunity to meet and interact with Monaghon Boy, the horse who featured in the opening title sequence of the show when walking through a post-war industrial Birmingham slum.

The day has been subject to some criticism on social media, however, due to it originally being marketed as a 1920s themed family day, with the Peaky Blinders aspect introduced at a later date. Concerns have also been expressed over the violent connotations of the show, with the Peaky Blinders known for storming Epsom with weapons to steal bookmaker licences.

But a spokesperson for Newmarket racecourse said the course has been working closely alongside the Safety Advisory Group to ensure appropriate security measures are in place, adding: "The Bafta-winning Peaky Blinders has grown a significant fanbase in the UK and the first officially licensed raceday ever staged is an opportunity to bring to life the horsemanship, romance and fashion the show celebrates.

"It resonates a lot more than a standard 1920s theme. We hope racegoers enjoy the demonstrations from the Devil's Horsemen, who train the horses used in the show, as well as the many other activities on the day."

The seven-race card starts at 2.05, with the Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Chalice Stakes and European Bloodstock News British EBF Fillies' Nursery Handicap forming part of ITV's coverage.

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