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NEXT Saturday, May 18th, sees the first staging of the National Racehorse Trainers Open Morning. It’s a chance for members of the public to see inside a racing yard in their own area or perhaps visit a stable which houses one of their favourite horses.
A total of 27 trainers are taking part in the initiative, which was organised by Horse Racing Ireland’s Owners department. Amber Byrne, Owner Development Manager with HRI, explained: “This is an opportunity for racing fans and potential racehorse owners to gain access to training yards across the country. Trainer open mornings have always been popular and supported by HRI but this is the first time trainers nationwide will open their doors on the same day.
“By providing a national platform for trainers the open morning allows HRI Ownership promote racing, ownership and Irish trainers across all corners of the country.
Michael Halford is one of the participating trainers. “I always think open days are a great idea,” he said. “It’s great for the general public to get an insight into what we do. Show them what goes on behind the scenes.”
GREAT RESPONSE
Halford expects 100 visitors next Saturday morning. “I’m told there’s been a great response. They will see horses exercise and we will talk them through our daily routine. Our farrier will be at work and maybe our veterinary surgeon will be here to answer questions. We’ll show them the feeding regime and they will have a chance to meet their favourite horses.”
Does he expect to gain any new owners? “You never know but that’s not the reason for doing it. It’s nice to give something back to people who are supporting racing. It’s only a couple of hours of our time. Often one of those visitors will come up to you at the races another day and tell you how much they enjoyed their visit. They always remember the day.”
By contrast, Co Cork trainer James Dullea has never before staged an open morning and admits to some nerves. Based in Bandon, he has just enjoyed his best ever jumps season with nine winners, including three-time scorer Rockys Silver.
PROMOTE RACING
“I signed up for the open morning for two reasons,” he says. “I want to promote the yard for business and I also want to help get racing out there to a wider audience. People in racing take it for granted but I think plenty of people on the outside would appreciate seeing what goes on.”
Dullea praised HRI for coming up with the idea. “I have wanted to do this for a while but I didn’t know how to get started. Fair play to HRI, they have been excellent in setting it up. It’s easy give out about them but they are trying their best to help the smaller outfits.”
Visitors to the Dullea yard, and all the participating yards, can be sure of a warm welcome and some light refreshments. Nobody will be forced to buy a share in a horse but Dullea revealed he is putting together a “very affordable” racing club and he will have more details on the day.
Like all jumps trainers at this time of year, Dullea has turned away the majority of his winter horses for the summer but there will be enough equines on the premises next Saturday to keep the show on the road.
NORTHERN TIGER
It’s the same story up in Co Armagh where Keith Watson is preparing to open his Killylea yard to the public for the first time. Watson had six winners last season including Ulster National scorer Amaulino, and he will be the star attraction among the 15 horses on display next Saturday. “He’s our Tiger Roll!” says Keith’s son Marshall.
“This is all new to us but it has been very well received so far. Racing is thriving in Northern Ireland, judged on the crowds coming to Down Royal and Downpatrick. Some racecourses south of the border would be delighted with those numbers.”
Marshall and Keith have come up with a couple of novel ideas for next Saturday – free ice cream for everyone and they are also laying on a bus to take visitors to Navan Racecourse after the open morning. “One of our owners has an ice cream business and he is going to look after that. Then we’re all heading to Navan to make a day of it.
“Human interaction is what it’s all about. Some trainers like to use social media to show off their facilities but nothing beats meeting the people face-to-face. We hope to have our farrier and vet here, and Andrew Ring and Sarah Kavanagh will be riding work and schooling.”
Marshall is also putting together the Springfield Racing Club. You can find out more when you get your free ice cream.
HRI’s Amber Byrne summed up the aim of the day: “Looking behind the scenes of racing is something many people in the sport take for granted. However, for the racing fan this is a rare opportunity. We have backed the event with a significant promotional campaign which we hope will lead to new people taking notice of trainers in their locality and becoming curious about racing and, in turn, ownership.
“We are very grateful to the trainers who have supported the inaugural staging. The first event is a learning curve but, with double our projected visitors registered to date, it has the potential to become an annual event.”
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JOHN O'RIORDAN (OWNER) FEATURE
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