Record number of Newmarket yards to open on Henry Cecil Open Weekend

Newmarket is preparing to welcome visitors once again to the annual Henry Cecil Open Weekend on September 18-19 for the tenth year since the event was revived in 2012.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the weekend went online in 2020 but this year it will form part of National Racehorse Week with a record 30 trainers set to open their doors to the public on the Sunday.

The stables include Godolphin Stables, home of Saeed bin Suroor, although visitors should get there early as it is to open only between 9-10.30am.

Other yards opening up across town include that of William Jarvis, who is set to parade his Group 1-winning mare Lady Bowthorpe at 10.45am and 11.45am, while Charlie Fellowes will show off his recently retired stalwart Prince Of Arran for photo opportunities at 11am.

Before those Sunday delights, the Warren Hill gallops event at 8am is sure to prove popular as it is to host the three John and Thady Gosden-trained stars Palace Pier, Stradivarius and Mishriff.

Visitors out watching the gallops at the 2019 open weekend

In the afternoon, the Qatar Racing Pony Club Races and the Fun Dog Show (sponsored by Shadwell) take place on The Severals, and Jarvis has a special interest in the latter.

He said: "The dog show is very competitive and Percy, my black Labrador, is bidding to retain his title of best in show last time so he'd better shape up. He could well face his biggest challenge from his younger brother Digby, who is only 18 months old, this time around."

The traditional finale is the Clipper Logistics Show Jumping Competition, which will feature champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy among others.

Sites in the town open will include the British Racing School, Peter O'Sullevan House, Jockey Club Rooms and the National Stud and the National Horse Racing Museum, where visitors can see the recently retired multiple Group 1-winning sprinter Battaash.

Charlie Fellowes, chairman of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, 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. Away from the yards we have an action-packed two days of activities, from tours to entertainments on The Severals."

Prices start at £15 per person for a weekend wristband when purchased in advance on the official website, or £17 per person when purchased from any of the other sites over the weekend. Children aged 16 years of age and under go free all weekend.

Visit for more information.

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