After a record year 2021 is the Henry Cecil Open House Weekend looks forward to welcoming visitors back to British Horseracing Headquarters on Saturday 17th September and Sunday 18th September.
Every September, racing and horse enthusiasts descend on Newmarket for an action-packed weekend of events and a chance to go behind the scenes at Britain’s most famous racing stables. Last year the likes of Charlie Fellowes, Roger Varian, George Boughey, Harry Eustace and Simon & Ed Crisford – to name a few – opened their doors.
The highest number of shipyards to open to the public in 2021 with a record number of spectators raising £60,000 for the event’s chosen charity partners. The Henry Cecil Open Weekend 2022 will continue to support the racing industry and its workforce while supporting the local community.
Money raised this year will be donated to long-time charity partner and primary beneficiary Racing Welfare, as well as the National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket Day Center and the Newmarket Heath Ambulance, a fundraising initiative to purchase a rapid response unit for Newmarket Heath work riders.
The Henry Cecil Open Weekend marks the start of the Newmarket Gold Season, a four-week period showcasing Newmarket as a hub for the international horseracing industry, and the finale of National Racehorse Week (September 10-18) – a nationwide annual celebration of the racehorse and the supervision by the racing staff.
Charlie Fellowes, Chairman of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said: “Last year we saw a large attendance in Newmarket during the Henry Cecil Open Weekend. It was fantastic for everyone to see and experience what our city has to offer.
“A big thank you goes to everyone who continuously supports the event and makes the Open Weekend possible. A special thank you goes to all coaches, race staff, helpers and participants, without whom the event would not be possible.
“The Henry Cecil Open Weekend offers a unique look and behind the scenes access to racing life in Newmarket and is a highlight for many horse racing fans. We are really looking forward to the weekend and to raising as much money as possible for our charity partners.”
George Boughey, Classic winning trainer from Newmarket, said: “We had a lot of visitors last year and we look forward to seeing everyone again this year. It’s great that we can greet people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see the shipyards.
“It’s a chance to see all the horses behind the scenes and see all the hard work that goes in by all the staff. Show jumping is always a highlight, it brings a good crowd with some great riders showing their talent.”
James Ferguson added: “We must try to get as many people involved in this sport as possible and the Henry Cecil Open Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to do that. Everyone involved is doing a great job promoting our sport and the fact that it’s a charity is a bonus, but I just love to see the look on people’s faces when they come onto the farm.
“Apart from the opening of the yards, there are some nice events going on, from the gymkhanas to the dog show and inter-yard events. With the stable boys and girls, especially with the trainers, you can always see the drive to perform.”
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.thehenrycecilopenweekend.co.uk