ORGANISERS of the successful Middleham Stables Open Day say next year’s event will be the “biggest and best” in its 22-year history.

Held once again on Good Friday – April 22, 2011 – many of the yards in the North Yorkshire racing town will open their doors to visitors, while there will also be a series of afternoon events.

They will include a best dressed couple competition, a question and answer session hosted by trainer Mark Johnston, guest appearances by leading northern jockeys and a mini-marathon.

Participating trainers opening their stables include Karl Burke, James Bethell, Micky Hammond, Ben Haslam and Jedd O’Keefe.

Judith Brickwood, one of the organisers of the open day, said: “We are planning the biggest and the best Middleham Stables Open Day in our history. We want to give everyone who comes a day to remember.”

Each year, the successful training yards of Middleham are thrown open to racing enthusiasts. Last year more than 6,000 people attended and more than £14,000 was raised for local charities.

Brickwood added: “Horse-racing has been at the heart of Middleham since the 18th century when race meetings were held on the High Moor and today the town accommodates 13 of England’s flat and national hunt trainers with more than 350 horses in training.

“The open day provides an opportunity to meet the winners and to talk to the trainers, jockeys and stable hands at this ever-popular annual event.

“The afternoon events will provide extra value and extra fun. It’s a great day out and it also raises a tremendous amount of money for charity”.

The yards are open to the public on Good Friday from 9.30am until 1pm. Free parking is available in Middleham or nearby Leyburn, with bus links between car parks and the outlying stables.

Admission is £7 in advance for adults or £8 at the gate. Children under 12 are admitted free.

For more information, phone Middleham Key Centre on 01969 624411.