Fellowes delight as Newmarket unites for Open Weekend

Charlie Fellowes has expressed his delight that virtually all trainers are now embracing the Henry Cecil Open Weekend. 

The two-day event, first staged in 2012, provides a unique opportunity to delve behind the scenes at Britain’s best-known racing yards and meet the stars of the sport.

But in the past, various trainers, especially some of the older and most established in the town, have kept their doors shut, primarily because of concerns about the prospect of hundreds of people descending on their yards. 

This caused some annual grumbling, both among trainers and those attending the event.

But going forwards, almost everyone will be playing a part. This year, half of Newmarket’s training establishments will be open on September 21 and September 22, with the other half opening their doors the following year. 

Fellowes, chairman of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, told Lydia Hislop at this week’s July Meeting: “Quite a lot of the trainers haven't been involved, but a small change in format means half the trainers are now opening one year, with the other half opening the following year. 

“Everyone is now involved, pretty much, so the likes of John and Thady Gosden are opening their doors, plus Sir Mark [Prescott) and William Haggas will be opening his doors next year. These are yards that you would never really get to have a look behind the scenes.

“What is brilliant about it is that, number one, it's all in the name of a wonderful charity. Number two, it's a way that we can show people exactly what we do behind the scenes. Show how beautifully looked after these horses are, and how passionate the people that work in this industry are about everything that we do for horse welfare; and getting the best out of these athletes so that they are primed on the day.” 

He added: “There's a lot of change happening in racing and it's important that we're on the front foot, ahead of the game, rather than behind it, because we're in a fragile state and we need horse racing to come together and be strong, and be proud of what we do. And we have a lot to be proud of. 

“It's a really good way for us to get the future generation of racing fans, jockeys, stable lads, anyone involved in our sport. There is so much going on. On the Saturday, the vets open their doors and so does the racing school. If you're thinking of going into horse racing you want to be a jockey, go and have a look around the races. It is an amazing place. The National Racing Museum is also open. 

“On the Sunday, a lot of horses will counter up Warren Hill first thing. Most of the big trainers send out their big guns, so you can see them having exercise, and the trainers come and spend a bit of time on the mic, which they love despite their protests! 

“The yards will open Sunday morning and then, in the afternoon, there's loads of fun and games going on, including the celebrity show jumping, Shetland pPony Grand National, parade of retired racehorses and dog shows. If you're remotely interested in horse racing, I encourage you to come along because it is it is a wonderful weekend all for a fantastic cause.” 

Fellowes added: “The money is now all going to something called the Newmarket Housing Trust. Initially, it's going to be a sort of halls of residence for young kids who have never been away from home and are incredibly vulnerable. Rather than just shoving them in Newmarket, with all of the vices that can go on in a town like that, they'll be in a sort of halls of residence at the racing school, where they will be catered and looked after, with a bus to take them to work just to ease them into life. 

“Once that's built, the project will try and acquire more housing around Newmarket for families with young kids and for young people coming into the industry, so it's for a wonderful cause.” 

Asked why he is so passionate about the weekend, Fellowes said: “I think I think it goes back to the days when I was working for James Fanshawe as his assistant. We used to open every year and, you know, I'm incredibly lucky. I came from a very nice, comfy background and this is a really good way of me just giving a very small amount back. To be chairman of this weekend is a great honour to me. 

“It's been a hard work trying to get everyone involved and everyone on board, but I feel like this year we've really taken a big step forward.” 

Asked about why it had been hard work, he said: “Some of the older trainers maybe didn't quite appreciate how much the world is changing, although I think they do now. Maybe they just needed a little bit more encouragement. A few of them were concerned about large numbers of people coming around their yard, but I think everyone now appreciates how important it is.” 

Fellowes signed off his interview with Hislop with a personal message to John Hunt and his family, revealing his own family had also suffered heartbreak this week. 

“In light of events this week I just wanted to add something else because we've all witnessed the atrocious things that happened to John Hunt and his family,” he said. 

“On a personal note, I lost my father-in-law completely out the blue on Wednesday afternoon. He had been healthy and happy. We'd seen him last weekend and I'd spoken to him on Wednesday morning. 

“I think one thing I've learnt this week is that the next time you say goodbye to someone you really love, say goodbye to them and tell them you love them, because you don't know what's around the corner. My thoughts are with my wife and family, as well as John Hunt and all his family.”