From 9.30am, nine of Middleham’s leading training yards will welcome visitors inside, offering rare, behind-the-scenes access to the horses, the yards and the people at the heart of the sport. It is a chance to stand just yards from equine stars, watch morning routines unfold, and experience the rhythm of a working racing yard in full flow.

Among the highlights, Karl Burke’s Spigot Lodge will showcase Crown Relic, Fallen Angel and Royal Champion, who has amassed nearly £2.4 million in prize money. At Charlie Johnston Racing, visitors can enjoy horse swimming demonstrations from 9.45am, a live Q&A, and see exciting prospects including Venetian Lace, entered in both the English and Irish Guineas, alongside Epsom Derby runner-up Lazy Griff.

Set against the backdrop of Middleham’s historic market square and its rich racing heritage, the day extends far beyond the yards. The Middleham Marketplace opens from 9am with a wide range of trade stands and a traditional hounds parade, before the action moves to Low Moor from 11.30am.

An afternoon of entertainment includes Retraining of Racehorses Showing classes, family activities, and a special appearance from Lady Buttons, the much-loved ‘Queen of the North’, who will parade in the main arena from 1pm with owner Jennie. The ever-popular inter-yard Challenge begins at 2.15pm, bringing competitive spirit and camaraderie, before the day concludes with the Aiskew Equine and Pet Supplies Dog Show from 3pm.

The event also shines a spotlight on the people behind the scenes, celebrating three Middleham winners at the 2026 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards: Kieran Kourdache of Karl Burke Racing, named Rider/Racing Groom Award winner and Overall Employee of the Year; Freddie Wilks of Charlie Johnston Racing, winner of the Newcomer Award; and Hayley Clements of Micky Hammond Racing, recipient of the Community Award.

All proceeds from the day support Racing Welfare’s work in Middleham, providing vital, practical and emotional support to the racing workforce and their families. As the industry’s only charity supporting people from recruitment through to retirement, Racing Welfare offers confidential help across health, housing, finances, careers and more.

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. 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

Date: Good Friday, 3rd April 2026

Yards open from 9.30am | Low Moor from 11.30am

Location: Middleham, North Yorkshire