Ribchester set to be big draw at Malton Festival of Racing

Ribchester will be one of the star attractions when 16 stables open their doors for the Malton Festival of Racing on Sunday.

The outstanding miler, a dual Royal Ascot winner who has won three Group One races this year, will be one of the horses putting in an appearance at Richard Fahey’s Musley Bank Stables.

Brian Ellison will have the ever-popular Top Notch Tonto and the top-class staying chaser Definitly Red on show at his yard, while another must-see stable to visit will be that of Mick Easterby, who will be opening his yard to the public for the first time.

Other trainers opening in the morning will be Julie Camacho, Tim Easterby, Lucy Egerton, Suzzanne France, Malcolm Jefferson, Peter Niven, David O’Meara, Ollie Pears, John Quinn, Gary Sanderson, Nigel Tinkler, John Wainwright and Mark Walford.

The Malton Festival of Racing, renamed and returning after a year out, is being organised by Racing Welfare with sponsorship from Arena Racing Company. The event provides a full day of activities.

Throughout the morning visitors will also be able to visit the Injured Jockey Fund’s Northern Rehabilitation and Fitness Centre at Jack Berry House where there will be tours of the facility with Jack Berry himself as well as a ‘Beat the Jockeys’ Wattbike challenge in the gym and the opportunity to try out race-riding skills on an Equicizer.

A jockeys’ show-jumping relay will take place at Fahey’s yard in the afternoon with Paul Hanagan, Tom Eaves, Tony Hamilton, Jason Hart, Barry Mchugh and Sammy-Jo Bell hoping to serve it up to their jump counterparts. These include Grand National-winning rider Derek Fox as well as Henry Brooke and Brian Hughes.

Other features will include a question and answer session, chaired by Racing UK presenter Niall Hannity.

Funds raised through the event will support Racing Welfare’s services in Malton as well as the Injured Jockeys Fund’s Jack Berry House and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance from www.maltonfestivalofracing.co.uk. Standard admission is £10 with free entrance to children under 16.