Ever wanted to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the racing world in Ireland?
Horse Racing Ireland Ownership has teamed up with racehorse trainers around the country to offer racing fans and those interested in racehorse ownership, a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience a working training yard.
The trainer open mornings will run nationwide from July to October and are free to attend. So far, 20 trainers from 10 different counties are taking part, with more to be confirmed. Those who wish to attend are asked to register their interest in advance here.
What’s going to happen?
The open mornings will include a tour of their chosen yard and its facilities, watching the racehorses on the gallop, meeting the team that looks after the horses and a Q&A with the trainer in question.
The open morning kick starts in John ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s yard in Bagnelstown this coming Saturday.
‘Shark’ tasted his first Grade 1 success when his charge Skyace claimed the Grade 1 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at the 2021 Fairyhouse Easter Festival. Hanlon sourced Skyace at the sales for £600 for the Birdinthehand Syndicate. The Kilkenny-born trainer also had another special day to remember when Hedwick won the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Sandown this April.
Along with Shark, John O’Donoghue, Kildare, Tom Gibney, Meath and Noel Kelly, Co. Derry have dates confirmed. Gordon Elliott, Jessica Harrington, Eric McNamara, Gavin Cromwell, Ross O’Sullivan, Edward O’Grady and Sarah Dawson are among the other trainers taking part with more to be added in the coming weeks.
