Horse play as some of world’s top stables play host to visitors

THOUSANDS of visitors were given an insight into some of the world’s leading stables which have been heralded as vital to Yorkshire’s rural economy.

More than 500 racehorses were on show during the annual open day at the stables in Middleham in North Yorkshire, which attracted more than 6,000 visitors yesterday.

The open day gave the public the chance to have a behind-the-scenes look at 14 training establishments ranging from world renowned yards including the facility run by trainer Mark Johnston to those that currently boast just a handful of horses.

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Research published last year found that the horse-racing industry contributes nearly £230m each year to the Yorkshire and Humber region’s economy.

One of the open day’s organisers, Richard Gayton, said: “The area is absolutely renowned around the world for its history, and the importance of the racing industry to the local economy is massive.

People who came to the open day were given a fascinating insight into how the industry works.”

The event also involved a raffle which raised thousands of pounds for ABF, The Soldiers’ Charity and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.