Top racehorses draw in the crowds at Middleham Open Day 2026

The Middleham Open Day took place across the town, near Leyburn, on Good Friday, April 3, with nine leading training yards welcoming visitors from 9:30am.

Racegoers and families had the chance to meet some of the sport’s best-known horses, including unbeaten classic contender Crown Relic and multiple group one winner Fallen Angel.

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Dawn Goodfellow, chief executive of Racing Welfare, said: “Middleham Open Day is one of the most special days in our calendar.

“It gives people a genuine insight into life behind the stable doors, while celebrating the dedication, skill and community that define this town.

“The success of this year’s employee award winners shows just how strong that community is.”

At Karl Burke’s Spigot Lodge yard, visitors were able to see Crown Relic, Fallen Angel and Royal Champion up close. Royal Champion has earned nearly £2.4 million in prize money during his racing career.

Meanwhile, Charlie Johnston Racing hosted horse swimming demonstrations and welcomed guests to a live question-and-answer session. Visitors were also able to meet horses including Venetian Lace, entered in both the English and Irish Guineas, and Epsom Derby runner-up Lazy Griff.

The Middleham Marketplace opened earlier at 9am with trade stands and a traditional hounds parade, before entertainment began on Low Moor at 11.30am.

The inter-yard Challenge followed, before the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog Show.

The event also celebrated the people behind the sport, including recent winners of the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards from Middleham.

Among those recognised were Kieran Kourdache of Karl Burke Racing, who was named Rider/Racing Groom Award winner and Overall Employee of the Year; Freddie Wilks of Charlie Johnston Racing, who took the Newcomer Award; and Hayley Clements of Micky Hammond Racing, who received the Community Award.

All proceeds from the day support Racing Welfare, the industry’s only charity that helps racing workers and their families. The charity offers assistance with health, housing, finances, careers and more.

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)

Middleham Open Day drew in the crowds this Good Friday (Image: ANDY FUTERS)