Visit the historic home of racing this weekend

The town of Newmarket – known as the home of British Flat racing – opens its doors again for the annual 32Red Newmarket Open Weekend (Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September).

Proceedings get underway on Saturday at 8am, when the public have the opportunity to see top class racehorses working on the Warren Hill Gallops.

A number of other sites are available to visit throughout the day, including Rossdales Equine Hospital, the British Racing School, the National Stud and the Jockey Club Rooms.

Saturday afternoon sees a race meeting held at the Rowley Mile, with a Food and Drink Festival running concurrently.

For the first time, the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art will open its doors to the public for taster tours throughout both days.

On Sunday from 9am to 12.30pm many trainers will open their yards to visitors, giving people the chance to meet their most famous equine residents.

The Newmarket Equine Hospital and Europe’s leading Bloodstock Auctioneer, Tattersalls, will be open to visitors on Sunday too.

Back at the Rowley Mile at 3pm on Sunday, the Clipper Logistics Racing Personality Show Jumping is the feature entertainment of the day, with some of Newmarket’s best known trainers and jockeys taking part, including jockeys Andrea Atzeni and Hayley Turner, and trainer Roger Varian.

The home of Flat racing will also take on the home of Jumps racing in the inaugural Newmarket vs Lambourn football match.

The Waitrose Stable Staff Games will take place on Sunday afternoon, alongside free on course entertainment including face painting and pony rides for children.

“This is a great way to showcase the town whilst also raising much needed funds for our chosen and very worthy charities,” said the Open Weekend’s Chairman, Sara Cumani. “We very much look forward to welcoming you all to Newmarket next month for an action packed weekend.”

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.newmarketopenweekend.co.uk.