PEOPLE were given the opportunity to have a glimpse behind the scenes at some of the country’s top racing stables today (Friday, April 3).

Several thousand people flocked to the small market town of Middleham, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, where 14 stables threw open their doors for the traditional Good Friday event.

The event was opened in the marketplace by broadcaster Alastair Down, one of the most recognisable names and faces in British racing.

Mr Down told the crowd: “What a privilege and honour it is to be in Middleham - the centre of horse racing in the North.”

Approximately 500 horses were on show, including one guest of honour, Mister McGoldrick, who won eight races at Wetherby during a stellar career before retiring three years ago.

Mister McGoldrick was guest of honour at trainer Patrick Holme’s Spigot Lodge year, in his role as ambassador for the New Beginnings charity for retired racehorses.

The charity aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for ex-racehorses to be rehabilitated and re-homed after they have retired from racing.

Also at Middleham Stables Open Day was Trooper Middleham, from the Household Cavalry. The horse was named after the famous racing town and was on show in his full, colourful regalia.

He was representing the Household Cavalry Foundation, which is the official charity for the cavalry and provides support to all its members, including serving soldiers, operational casualties, veterans and their families.

The horse was brought up especially from London for the event. After playing the starring role at the launch of today’s event, he moved to Jason Ward’s Manor House Stables.

During the afternoon, racing at Lingfield was screened live from a big screen at the Top Cross in Middleham and there was entertainment throughout the town.

The other main charity to benefit from the event was the Jessica Bethell Charitable Foundation, in memory of the daughter of James Bethell, the chairman of Middleham Trainers’ Association.

One of the organisers of the day, Robert Beaumont, said he estimated about 3,500 people braved the rainy conditions to take part in the open day and anticipated they were on course to hopefully raise £12,000 to £13,000 for the charities.

“The weather failed to dampen spirits,” he said.

“Middleham open day always gives people a real idea of how horse racing is so crucial to Middleham. They can look behind the scenes and see some fantastic horses, some of the best in the region.”