THE owner of a racing stables in Cheshire has admitted his delighted after hundreds of people, including plenty of youngsters, attended an open day.

Oliver Greenall is owner of Greenall Guerriero Racing, based at Stockton Hall Farm in Malpas, and last weekend opened up his facility as part of National Racehorse Week.

Oliver himself entertained visitors with a talk while industry professionals also demonstrated to the crowds, and he says they already have an eye on 2024.

Whitchurch Herald:

“We opened up the yard to the general public and we had a really good response to it, with around 600 people registering an interest,” he said.

“But we think around 500 people came, which was great, and we had two charities doing food and drink and had lots of demonstrations.

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“Our osteopath did a demonstration, as did our farrier, and I showed people around the yard.

“Then our horses, including Iroko – who won at the Cheltenham Festival in March – were led around for people to see.

“For us, it was great to see around 100 children there on the day because we want them to see what it is about and spark an interest.

“It was a great, successful day and we’re looking forward to doing it again next year.”

Oliver added that part of his reasoning for opening the yard was to give everyday racing punters an insight into how much effort is put into getting a horse ‘race ready’.

Whitchurch Herald:

He added: “It was important to show people all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes at a yard.

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“It makes people understand that the horses aren’t machines and it takes a lot of work to get them fit and ready to race.

“People don’t really know how much work is required.”

Tori Watson, from the yard, added that around £400 was raised for the Clywd Special Riding Centre with refreshments sold to the public.