Trainers are gearing up for the ARC Malton Open Day 2024 when they will open their yards to share their love of the racehorse with the public while raising vital funds for charity.

Organised by Racing Welfare, the open day on Sunday 8th September 8, will give visitors a unique insight into how racehorses are cared for and prepared for races.

Craig Lidster, who will be opening his Eboracum Racing Stables at Easingwold near York, said: “People coming to visit us will get to see our fantastic training facilities, witness the great camaraderie that our team has, and see how we treat the horses in our care like kings and queens.

“The open day will be a great opportunity to show the hard work that goes into making a day at the races possible and it’ll also be a great opportunity for my staff to meet new people, share their love of the industry and gain confidence too. Racing Welfare is vital to the industry so it’s great to do something to support that while sharing our passion for the sport.”

Trainer Ruth Carr, who heads up an all-female team at Mowbray House Farm in Skellington, said: “We’re really looking forward to taking part in the open day. We’ll be offering tractor and trailer rides so visitors can get up close to the horses while they’re tuned out in the paddock, have the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about what goes into training racehorses.

“Racing Welfare have been a fantastic support for us – they recently provided physio for a member of staff when she broke her collarbone which meant a much better and quicker recovery so it’s good to give something back and help raise funds by opening up the yard.”

Father and son, Mick and David Easterby, will also be opening their yard for the event. David said: “People can expect to see a yard full of happy people, Pasty the dog and lots of people on hand to answer any questions anyone might have.” With Mick Easterby being Britain's oldest active trainer and longest serving licence holders, it’s a yard not to be missed as he has a wealth of knowledge to share.

Taking place during National Racehorse Week (7th-15th September) which is a nationwide annual celebration of the racehorse, the following yards will be open to visit from 8.45am - 12 midday:

• Adrian Keatley

• John and Sean Quinn

• Mike Sowersby

• Tim Easterby

• Roger Fell & Sean Murray

• Suzzanne France

• Mick and David Easterby

• Adrian Nicholls

• Craig Lidster

• Ruth Carr

• Fionn McSharry

• Ollie Pears

• Richard Fahey

Jack Berry House - the rehabilitation and fitness centre run by the Injured Jockey’s Fund, will also be open for visits on the day from 11am-2pm.

Racing Welfare is again partnering with York Racecourse to offer a combined ticket to attend both the ARC Malton Open Day and the YorkMix Family Sunday meeting, at a discounted price, enabling visitors to follow horses from their stables to the track.

No shuttle buses will be running at this year’s ARC Malton Open Day as all of the yards opening their gates will have designated parking locations, giving more flexibility for visitors.

Early bird tickets, at a reduced price, are available until 31st August and prices are as follows:

Malton Open Day Adult early bird: £7.50. Malton Open Day and York Racecourse early bird: £15

Children under the age of 18 are free. AfterAugust 31, ticket prices will rise to £10 and £17.50 respectively.

To book tickets and to find out more, please visit: www.maltonopenday.co.uk