Epsom Trainers Open Day - Open Day 2010
Open Day 2010 Review:
The 2010 Open Day dawned warm if not bright and although the wet weather arrived during the afternoon, the day was most successful.
The 9am gallops, 9.30am stalls demonstration and 9.45am schooling demonstration were very well attended, and a real credit to all the trainers and staff who supplied horses for both of these events. These took place on the Downs behind the racecourse and provided a unique opportunity to see racehorses at work.
From 10am – 1pm there were 8 yards open to the public:
John Akehurst
Michael Attwater
Jim Boyle
Simon Dow
Brett Johnson
Laura Mongan
Pat Phelan
Roger Teal
From 12 noon the attractions taking place on the racecourse commenced and again proved to be a great crowd puller.
The events were:
-A hot shoeing demonstration by Steve Bates and his colleagues (horse kindly supplied by Glynis Riddle) – sponsored by NESCOT
-Pony rides and ‘dress up as a jockey’ (horses kindly supplied by Sandra’s Riding School) - sponsored by Connolly’s Red Mills
-Terrier Derby – sponsored by Omni Productions Ltd – which, as always, provided a raucous spectacle for all!
Jockeys vs Trainers Camel Racing – sponsored by Southdown Holdings Ltd and the Sutton Business Centre - a hysterically funny race comprising a jockeys’ heat, a trainers’ heat and a final race between the 1st and 2nd of each heat. The participants were:
Jockeys – Mark Goldstein, Nicky Mackay, Jemma Marshall, Harry Poulton and Gareth Thomas
Trainers – Brian ‘Barney’ Clifford (Clerk of the Course & Director of Racing at Kempton Park, and ex-Jump Jockey), Simon Dow, Richard Farmer (representing Jim Boyle), Brett Johnson and Roger Teal
All riders were dressed in authentic Arabian attire and the final race was won by Roger Teal for the 2nd year running, with Brett Johnson second.
A big thank you to all the jockeys and trainers who took part.
-Inter-yard Tournament - sponsored by Racing Welfare. Teams from 9 Epsom racing yards competed in six-section relay race which culminated in riding a camel! The winners were Roger Teal’s Thirty Acre Barn team, with Pat Phelan’s Ermyn Lodge team second.
Parade of Retired Racehorses (horses supplied by the Ex-Racers Club, Moorcroft Racehorse Welfare Centre and Emma Curley) – sponsored by the ROA.
-The ever popular Shetland Pony Derby – sponsored by Sunderlands Bookmakers. Holly Osbourne, aged 10 won the race for the second year running, riding TANGIES SOVEREIGN, sponsored by The Devine Family
Chris Lane, of Lane Bros kindly acted as the day’s official bookmaker, taking bets on both the camel and Shetland pony races.
As well as all these events there were also a large variety of tradestands housed in and around the Duchess’ Stand providing something of interest to everyone, a children’s funfair, and Epsom Fire Brigade in attendance.
To finish off the day, the prize presentation and raffle draw took place in the Winner’s Enclosure.
The Epsom Training & Development Fund will benefit greatly from the proceeds of this year’s Open Day, enabling more investment to be made into the welfare of racing stable staff in Epsom. Work has already started on the 2011 event so please visit the website www.etdf.co.uk for more information.
