2008 Open Day - Sunday, September 21st
We're delighted to confirm that Hambleton Racing's third Open Day will take place on Sunday, 21st September.
The event was huge success last year (more details can be found below) with a big turn out enjoying a great time on a day when over £1,300 was raised for host Jack Berry's MBE charity, the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Full details of the day, and how you can get your invitation, will be confirmed towards the end of July.
As ever, our Open Day will offer a rare glimpse behind the scenes at one of Britain top racing yards and the chance to see all the Hambleton Racing horses and some of the stable stars in action on the famous Hambleton gallops.
News from last year's Open Day
The weather was kind, Jack Berry MBE was entertaining, and over £1300 was raised for the Injured Jockeys Fund - all in all a very successful 2007 Open Day for Hambleton Racing.
The event offered guests the chance to find out more about racehorse ownership with Hambleton Racing’s existing owners joined by many new faces for the event, there was a 200-strong crowd in attendance on the historic Hambleton gallops, which have been synonymous with racing for over 400 years.
Guests enjoyed traditional Yorkshire morning drinks and freshly cooked sausages to compliment a morning measure or two of their chosen tipple before watching some of the stable stars, led by this year’s Ayr Gold Cup winner Advanced.
The son of Night Shift was partnered by Kevin’s daughter Amy, who led the recently Group placed Dubai Time and stable apprentice Andrew Mullen while legendary racing figure Jack Berry described the action on the microphone.
Eight further pairs of horses came up the picturesque seven furlong gallop before guests were driven by coach to the Hambleton Racing marquee, where complimentary refreshments were available.
Soon after the Open Day guests and existing owners went behind the scenes at one of the top racehorse training facilities in the country, getting the chance to see the stars of the stable at close quarters.
The action in the yard culminated in a horse parade which contained all the Hambleton Racing-owned horses and Advanced, who showed remarkable patience as he posed for pictures with some of the many children enjoying the day.
The youngsters were well catered for in the marquee too, with a face painter and balloon artist Lesley complimented well by one of the star attractions of the day - a fire eater.
Appetites were satisfied by a complimentary hog roast before Mr Berry encouraged guests to give generously to a raffle in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund and was delighted to see the crowd in generous form, with just over £650 raised, an amount kindly match by Kevin Ryan.
As those present can testify, the auction was great fun with Jack in great form and his former head lad Kevin helping twist the arm of one or two guests to support two fantastic charities in the Injured Jockeys Fund and Spinal Injuries Association.
Following the auction guests were then entertained by outstanding fire artist Charlie Burns, who impressed guests with his ability to put a burning flame just about anywhere.
Charlie’s accuracy with a bull whip also impressed on-lookers as did the bravery of Hambleton owner Alan, who wore a blindfold as Charlie aimed to take an apple out of his mouth.
Thankfully all went to plan and Alan was none the worse for the experience and one apple better off.
After the fire display guests stayed on for as long as they wanted to in the marquee before being driven back to the car park by the continuous taxi service from the marquee.
Hambleton Racing co-founder and director Cosmo Charlton was delighted with how the Open Day went.
Said Cosmo ‘The weather was very kind and it was great to see many new faces here for what is always a good fun day. We can’t thank guests enough for supporting the Injured Jockeys Fund with such generosity and Kevin’s stable staff for their tireless work in preparing for the event.’
One slightly concerning element of the Open Day was the state of fellow co-founder Simon Turner’s shoes and trousers - he appeared to have jumped in just about every puddle in the yard judging by the state of his footwear.
Simon, who incidentally denies jumping in puddles for fun, was also pleased with the day ‘I‘ve taken plenty of good-spirited stick for being worst turned out and Archie (Mark Birch) has told me to bring the wellies next year! Aside that, it was nice to hear so much positive feedback from all our guests on the day and great to raise a significant amount for two such worthy causes.’