National Racehorse Week - Annual Racehorse Celebration

National Racehorse Week took place from Sunday September 11^th to Sunday September 18^th having been delayed by one day, as a mark of respect following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

The week featured 138 separate events with over 100 yards, 8 studs and 7 aftercare, retraining & rehoming centres taking part. Each opening their doors to demonstrate the love, care and affection that goes into caring for Britain’s racehorses at each stage of their life.

Furthermore, 11 school visits and 15 community events took place as the industry pulled together to educate and offer those that might not ordinarily have the opportunity, the chance to get behind the scenes at some of the sports most prestigious facilities.

With close to 11,000 made available across the 7 days, all events saw attendees show up in magnificent numbers.

We would like to thank each and every person who helped facilitate these events, as well as our sponsors without who none of this would be possible.

The phrase ‘it takes a village’ is no understatement when it comes to producing a racehorse. From foal to racehorse to a career after racing, every step is managed, and each horse treated with its own carefully constructed programme by a team of dedicated individuals.

Take a look below for what you can expect to see and experience during National Racehorse Week.

Meet the racehorses

Hosted yard or stable tour

Equine swimming pool demonstration

Water treadmill demonstration

Equine physiotherapy demonstration

Farrier demonstration

Schooling demonstration

Refreshments

Find out more

Chris Hughes

ITV Racing Presenter and National Racehorse Week Champion

“I have always been a massive fan of racehorses and this week is very much about connecting people and families to the horses and giving them a chance to meet these equine stars. This is a unique opportunity to see the horses at home relaxing in their favourite places.”

Rory Bremner

Impressionist and comedian

“I doubt even the great Frankie Dettori could win the Derby without a horse. National Racehorse Week rightly puts the focus on the real stars of racing- the horses themselves: their lives, their training and, most importantly, their welfare”

Jayne McGivern

Owner of racehorses and retired racehorse turned eventer Our Old Fella aka ‘Polo’ ridden by team GB international Piggy March

“I get as much satisfaction out of seeing my horses thrive and succeed out of racing as I do seeing them win on the track – it’s not always the superstars, who are the superstars! National Racehorse Week is a wonderful opportunity to share these experiences and to meet these brilliant horses in person.”

Faisal

Racing Groom at Richard Phillips Racing

“Every horse is different and has its own personality, part of the fun of working with them is getting to know their cheeky ways. I love that National Racehorse Week gives us a chance to show them off at home and people can get to meet them for themselves.”