THE Middleham Stables Open Day, which attracted 7,500 people on Good Friday, has raised a record £19,000 for North Yorkshire and horse-racing charities.

Jack Berry MBE, the legendary Yorkshire trainer, handed over cheques to the local charities and organisations at the Middleham Key Centre.

Beneficiaries this time included Racing Welfare, Great North Air Ambulance, Middleham Sports Association and Middleham Community Fund.

A raffle raised £1,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance and a mini-marathon around the Low Moor raised another £1,000 for Racing Welfare.

Judith Brickwood, one of the organisers of the Open Day, said: “The £19,000 raised represents a great achievement on the part of so many people, including the trainers, the loyal staff at the Key Centre and, last but not least, the thousands of people who flocked to our town and ensured the day was a success.”

Ann Duffield, at her neighbouring yard in Constable Burton, raised more than £1,000 of the Good Friday total through her own Open Day event in the afternoon.

“Although we have our own facilities and gallops up at Sunhill Farm – so we are not strictly part of the Middleham Trainers Association – we are delighted to be able to contribute to the fundraising effort,” she said.

“It’s good to be able to work together to raise the profile of racing and racehorse ownership and give a ‘behind the scenes’ taste of the sport to newcomers and followers alike.”

The next Open Day will be held on Good Friday, April 6, next year.