Stars coming out for Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day

The is back with a bang this Good Friday, promising an unforgettable day out for racing fans and families alike. 

With 21 top training yards open to the public in the morning and a jam-packed afternoon of arena entertainment, this year’s event is set to be one of the best yet. 

Nicky Henderson has confirmed that visitors to his Seven Barrows yard will be treated to equine royalty with dual-Champion Chase winning legends Altior and Sprinter Sacre returning to their old home for the day.

They will join Jonbon and Constitution Hill and the rest of Henderson’s stars to be shown off to the racing public in unique behind-the-scenes access. 

Henderson said: “The Lambourn Open Day is a special day and it’s always wonderful to see so many people come to Lambourn to get behind the scenes at yards. It’ll no doubt be a busy day at Seven Barrows and it’s brilliant to have Sprinter and Altior back!” 

From 1pm, the main arena hosts a variety of thrilling events. 

Headlining the day’s events is the Windsor Clive International Parade of Equine Heroes, with six stars of the turf confirmed: 

● Sprinter Sacre – The beloved dual Champion Chaser.

● Altior – Record-breaking 19 win unbeaten record and four-time Cheltenham Festival winner

● Coneygree – First novice in over 40 years to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup

● Mr Vango – This year’s impressive Midlands winner

● Doddiethegreat – A heartfelt favourite named in honour of Doddie Weir, winner at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival

● Hunt Ball – The ultimate underdog story, from Class 5 to Cheltenham glory

● Hollygrove Cha Cha – Grade 2 winner for Hot To Trot Racing and Jamie Snowden. 

●  The afternoon will see the return of the Sports4Causes Space Hopper Race. This fundraiser sees 12 racing personalities bounce to glory: 1. Jamie Snowden 2. Tom Ward 3. Ed Walker 4. Warren Greatrex 5. Harry Dunlop 6. George Daly 7. Jimmy Daly 8. William Dunlop 9. Oliver Signy 10. James Hills 11. Harry Teal 12. Eddie Hills.

● Carisbrooke Stud Celebrity Show Jumping featuring the likes of Nico de Boinville, James Bowen, and A.P. McCoy.

● Donnington Grove Veterinary Group Schooling over fences by top jockeys A.P. McCoy & Nico de Boinville.

● The Hot To Trot Farrier Display – a fascinating demonstration by Lambourn farrier Gary Pickford and the Chapel Forge team.

● The Shetland Pony Grand National – pint-sized ponies, maximum excitement! 

● The All Steps Formation Riding - The All-Steps Formation Riding team from Devon showcase the inclusive sport of formation riding with a diverse group of horses and riders performing in harmony across the country. 

● The Dog Show - Bring your dog and enter the various classes. All dogs to be on leads at all times please. Entries on the day. There are 39 brilliant silent auction prizes, ranging from mornings on the gallops with a number of Lambourn trainers, an incredible four-course Taste of Scotland lunch at Boisdale of Belgravia and many more money can’t buy prizes. 

All prizes are available here:

Chairman Mark Smyly added: “We are so excited to welcome visitors back to Lambourn after missing last year’s event. On paper, it looks like one of the best events we’ve ever had. We are hugely grateful for the hard work and commitment of trainers and stable staff around Lambourn.” 

All proceeds support vital local causes, including the Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, and other community-based charities. 

Morning Yard Visits: 9am – 1pm 

Arena Events: From 1pm 

Tickets: £15 per person (under-12s FREE), afternoon-only tickets £10 (colour-programme books are £5) 

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