Yorkshire racing stars announced for Middleham Open Day

The Middleham Open Day takes place in one of Britain’s most celebrated racing towns, with nine leading training yards set to welcome guests from 9:30am on Good Friday, April 3.

Visitors will get the chance to meet unbeaten Classic contender Crown Relic and multiple Group 1 winner Fallen Angel, among other racing stars.

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.”

Karl Burke’s Spigot Lodge will offer a close-up look at Crown Relic, Fallen Angel, and Royal Champion, who has earned nearly £2.4 million in prize money.

At Charlie Johnston Racing, visitors can watch horse swimming demonstrations from 9:45am, take part in a live Q&A, and meet horses such as Venetian Lace—entered in both the English and Irish Guineas—alongside Epsom Derby runner-up Lazy Griff.

The Middleham Marketplace opens at 9am with trade stands and a traditional hounds parade, before entertainment begins on Low Moor at 11:30am.

The afternoon activities include Retraining of Racehorses Showing classes, family-friendly events, and a parade from 1pm by Lady Buttons, the popular ‘Queen of the North’, in the main arena with owner Jennie.

The inter-yard Challenge starts at 2:15pm, followed by the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog Show at 3pm.

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

Among them are 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 confidential assistance with health, housing, finances, careers, and more.

Ms Goodfellow said: “Every ticket sold helps us continue to support racing’s people when they need it most.”

Tickets are on sale now at www.middlehamopenday.co.uk.

Yards open from 9:30am, with events on Low Moor beginning at 11:30am.