Lambourn kicks off Easter Weekend in style, on Good Friday, 15th April 2022, by opening its doors to the public for The Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day. Having been forced to cancel in 2020 and host a virtual event in 2021, this will be the first chance for horse racing fans in three years to go behind the scenes at some of Britain’s top racehorse training establishments where they can meet the trainers, staff and, of course, their equine heroes.
More than 25 racing yards and horse exhibitions will open on the morning of Good Friday, 15th April to give the public the opportunity to get first-hand experience into the running of top yards such as: multiple Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson, Charlie Hills, Clive Cox and
Grand National winning trainer, Oliver Sherwood.
In the afternoon, the central arena opens with a full programme of equine shows and demonstrations of country skills. There will be a Show Jumping competition with several leading horse racing personalities; past and present National Hunt jockeys will also be schooling horses over fences and there will also be Camel Racing in the main arena. As usual, there will be a Parade of Equine Heroes which features Cheltenham Festival winners from years gone by as well as Lambourn’s best flat horses from recent years.
The Lambourn Open Day also gives an opportunity to check out the brilliant facilities at both the Lambourn Valley Equine Hospital and the Injured Jockey’s Fund rehabilitation centre, Oaksey House. There will also be a vast array of trade stands and food stalls to add to what is a great fun Easter day out for all the family, whilst The Outside Chance Bar will once again be in action. A competition for the most colourfully-dressed lady will take place for the first time, with the winner able to claim a hat from Lizzie’s Hats.
Tickets cost £15 on the day for the whole day, £10 for afternoon entertainment only. Children under 12 can enter for free. Car Parks are free and open at 7.30 a.m. Yards will open from 8.30am until 1 p.m. All money raised goes to Lambourn’s registered charity, The Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, which works tirelessly for the welfare of its stable staff, The Air Ambulance and worthy local organisations.
Full coloured programmes, featuring all information on the day including a map, information on all trainers and timings of events will be available in all car parks and yards.