(Image: Supplied)
Families across the North East are being invited to get up close to racehorses during a series of free events this month as part of National Racehorse Week.
The nationwide celebration offers the public a rare behind-the-scenes look at the world of horse racing, with events running from August 22 to 31.
Seventeen events are scheduled across the North East, giving visitors the chance to explore racehorse training yards, studs and retraining centres.
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(Image: Supplied)
Olly Murphy, a racehorse trainer based in Warwickshire, said: "National Racehorse Week is a brilliant initiative that I am proud to have been a part of across the last four years.
"It is an incredibly important event for our sport, and it is great to welcome newcomers, curious minds and sport lovers to learn more year in year out."
Visitors will have the chance to watch racehorses in training, meet retired equine stars, and learn about the care and dedication involved in the sport.
All events are free to attend, but advance booking is essential.
In the North East, events include an open day at Michael Dods' Denton Hall yard in Piercebridge, Darlington, on August 24.
Mr Dods is a Group 1-winning trainer known for successes with horses such as Mecca's Angel and Mabs Cross.
Susan Corbett, who holds a combined flat and national hunt licence, will open her Girsonfield yard in Otterburn, Northumberland, on August 22.
Ms Corbett transitioned into racing after a career in teaching and the newspaper industry, and is known for running a successful stud farm alongside her training operation.
Other participating trainers include Liam Bailey, who will open Foulrice Park Racing in Middleham, Leyburn, on August 24.
Mr Bailey holds a dual-purpose licence, with most of his recent success coming on the flat.
Jessica Bedi, whose Hill House Farm yard in Kirklevington, Yarm, will be open on August 29, grew up in a point-to-point training family and has already achieved notable success in the sport.
National Racehorse Week aims to celebrate the vital role of the racehorse and promote understanding of the care and commitment involved in their training and welfare.
This year’s event also marks the Chinese Year of the Horse, and Great British Racing made a commitment to get 8,000 young people (under 18s) up close to a Thoroughbred in 2026.
The week provides an opportunity for families, newcomers and fans to connect with the sport in a hands-on and educational way.
Mr Murphy said: "With 2025 seeing around 700 people visiting us at Warren Chase, I hope to see even more faces joining us this year."
Events will feature demonstrations, talks and the chance to meet trainers, stable staff and, of course, the horses themselves.
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Each venue will offer a unique programme designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Organisers encourage early booking due to limited capacity at some sites.
More than 17,000 places are available nationwide across more than 100 open days.
To find and book an event, visit nationalracehorseweek.uk and use the postcode search tool to find venues nearby.