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The inaugural open morning offers racing fans the opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience a training yard in action
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Ownership has teamed up with racehorse trainers across the country to enable racing fans and potential racehorse owners to experience a professional racing yard first-hand. The inaugural Racehorse Trainer Open Morning, which will take place on Saturday May 18th, will see over 30 trainers from 12 counties open their yards to those members of the public who have registered here in advance of the day.
OPEN MORNING
The open morning will see racing fans gain access to some of the country’s top training yards, a rare occurrence and the first time that such widespread access has been provided.
As part of the experience, racing fans will receive a tour of their chosen yard and its facilities, watch the racehorses on the gallop, meet the skilled team that look after the horses 365 days a year and get to ask the trainer any questions they may have about the business of horse racing.
Among the trainers taking part in the open morning on May 18th are Henry De Bromhead, Tracey Collins, Gordon Elliott and Joseph O’Brien. Full list of participating trainers can be found on here.
Speaking at the launch, Henry de Bromhead said:
“HRI’s National Racehorse Trainer Open Morning initiative provides racing fans with behind-the-scenes access to a professional racing yard, which they otherwise would not get. Generally speaking, a race meeting is the sole opportunity for racing fans to get close to 
racehorses, however, it provides little to no insight in to what actually happens at a professional racing yard in the build up to the all-important race days.
“I am delighted to be one of the trainers taking part in this initiative and would encourage anyone interested in horse racing to participate in the open morning. It will provide an opportunity for racing fans and those interested in racehorse ownership to experience a training yard, see the horses and facilities first hand and meet the trainers and their support team. I look forward to welcoming the visitors to my yard on Saturday May 18th.”
Tracey Collins added:
“Horse racing is no different to any other sport, it’s great to be a spectator at a big race day but getting behind the scenes is a rare and unique opportunity. Ireland is a world leader in the business of racehorse training and breeding and it’s important that trainers play their part in promoting the sport and what is involved in producing winners. The National Racehorse Trainer Open Morning is a great way to do this and I certainly look forward to welcoming racing fans to my yard on the May 18th and showing them all that goes on behind the scenes. It will be a morning that the whole family can enjoy.”
Amber Byrne, Owner Development Manager, Horse Racing Ireland, commented:
“The National Racehorse Trainer Open Morning initiative not only provides an opportunity for racing fans and potential racehorse owners to gain access to training yards across the country but also to see what is involved in racehorse training and ownership. Places are limited so I would encourage anyone interested in taking part to register today to avoid disappointment.”
The National Racehorse Trainer Open Morning is a free event, however, visitors must pre-register to attend. No walk-in visitors will be allowed entry on the morning.
To find out more about the open morning and access details, please visit: www.racehorseownership.ie/openmorning
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