Irish racehorse trainers set to open yards to public

Horse Racing Ireland Ownership has teamed up with racehorse trainers around the country to offer racing fans and those interested in racehorse ownership, a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience a working training yard.

The trainer open mornings will run nationwide from July to October and are free to attend. So far, 20 trainers from 10 different counties are taking part, with more to be confirmed. Those who wish to attend are asked to register their interest in advance, on www.racehorseownership.ie/openmorning

The open mornings will include a tour of their chosen yard and its facilities, watch the racehorses on the gallop, meet the team that look after the horses and a Q&A with the trainer in question.

The open morning kick starts in John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s yard in Bagnelstown on the Carlow/Kilkenny border on Saturday, July 16. ‘Shark’ tasted his first Grade 1 success when his charge Skyace claimed the Grade 1 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at the 2021 Fairyhouse Easter Festival. John ‘Shark’ Hanlon sourced Skyace at the sales for £600 for the Birdinthehand Syndicate. The Kilkenny-born trainer also had another special day to remember when Hedwick won the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Sandown this April.

Along with Shark, John O'Donoghue, Kildare, Tom Gibney, Meath and Noel Kelly, Co. Derry have dates confirmed. Gordon Elliott, Jessica Harrington, Eric McNamara, Gavin Cromwell, Ross O’Sullivan, Edward O’Grady and Sarah Dawson are among the other trainers taking part with more to be added in the coming weeks.

For a full list of participating trainers and to register for a confirmed date or your interest for an up-and-coming open morning visit www.racehorseownership.ie/openmorning

Amber O’Grady, HRI Ownership commented: "We’re looking forward to welcoming owners and racing fans to yards across the country over the coming months. Open mornings are a fantastic opportunity for people to get behind the scenes of racing. There aren’t many sports that allow you into the dressing room and onto the training pitch with the team. Open mornings do just that giving a fascinating insight into how these athletes are trained and looked after. With 20 trainers signed up so far spanning from Derry to Waterford there is bound to be a trainer not too far from you. It is free to attend but pre-registration is essential."

For more information, please contact Amber O’Grady at [email protected].