West Scotland – Visit Local Yards For National Racehorse Week

Features | 23^rd August 2022

National Racehorse Week is back to give members of the public another chance to see what goes on behind the scenes in British racing stables.

Now in its second year, the hugely-popular initiative will take place from 10 – 18 September.

Stables across the country will open their yards to visitors and people in west Scotland are among those well catered for.

Whether you’re a racing regular or interested newbie, everyone is welcome to see the care and attention that goes into giving the horses a wonderful life. The inaugural year was a roaring success. Thousands of visitors had an unforgettable experience at stables up and down the land to see what goes on in racing yards, studs and aftercare centres.

All you need to do is log on to www.nationalracehorseweek.uk, search for events taking place near you and register to join in the fun.

Here’s a look at some of the stables opening their gates in west Scotland.

Mike Smith (Galston, East Ayrshire)

Mike will open the doors to his racing yard on Saturday 10 September with the intention of showing how his horses receive the highest standards of individual care and attention.

Located in the beautiful Ayrshire countryside a few miles east of Kilmarnock, visitors to the yard will get the opportunity to meet the established horses as well as the up-and-coming youngsters.

There will be schooling demonstrations, visits to the gallops and an explanation of why it is so important to get the feeding of racehorses right.

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Iain Jardine (Carrutherstown, Dumfries)

Iain is keen to welcome visitors to his yard on Monday 12 September to show how adored the horses are at Hetland Hill Farm.

There will be plenty to see on the day. Iain’s vet and farrier will be holding demonstrations and the yard’s solarium will be in use.

There will be the chance to meet the horses in training and the retired racehorses, with visits to the gallops to see the current crop working.

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Ian Duncan (Coylton, Ayrshire)

Visitors to Ian’s stables just 10 minutes from Ayr racecourse will get to see some of the potential stars of the future and old favourites when he opens his doors on Sunday 11 September.

They will be able to meet the foals being nurtured towards a racing career as well as the horses currently in training and the retired racehorses living their best lives at Sandhill Farm.

There is plenty going on during the day. There will be demonstrations from the farrier, chiropractor and physiotherapist as well as the chance to watch the horses schooling and working on the gallops.

Ian and his team are also raising money for some outstanding local charities in what is sure to be a Fun-filled event.

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