Newmarket opens to the public this September for the Henry Cecil Open Weekend

Tickets are now available to purchase at www.thehenrycecilopenweekend.co.uk.

On one special weekend every year, Newmarket – Flat racing’s headquarters – opens its doors to the public for the Henry Cecil Open Weekend. Named in honour of the iconic trainer, Sir Henry Cecil, the event takes place on the 20th and 21st of September, offering visitors the rare opportunity to peel back the curtain of an elite sport and experience first-hand what goes on inside multiple top-class racing yards.

A record-breaking 27 trainers are set to open their doors in 2025, among them the legendary William Haggas, Roger Varian, and George Boughey. James Fanshawe’s beautiful Pegasus Stables, a yard steeped in history, is another star attraction. This year also sees the introduction of two autism-friendly yards, in collaboration with Autism In Racing: Ross Burdon and David Simcock.

Visitors are invited to watch some of Newmarket’s best horses up close in action on Warren Hill, an event sponsored by Tattersalls. The historic gallop which has been used for this purpose for over 400 years. All before looking round the 27 yards that are open, getting to meet the trainers, their staff and the equine heroes in their stables.

Sunday afternoon sees a full schedule of events for all the family to enjoy, including the Amo Racing Personality Showjumping competition, the Baker McVeigh Shetland Pony Grand National, the Parade of Retired Racehorses, kindly sponsored by Al Shaqab, and a Fun Dog Show.

Ticket holders can also visit The National Stud, The British Racing School, The Injured Jockey’s Fund rehabilitation centre – Peter O’Sullevan House, the National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket Equine Hospital, Jockey Club Rooms and Tattersalls. If purchasing a joint ticket with Newmarket Racecourse, you will also get the opportunity to witness 12 Newmarket trainers take part in the first ever Henry Cecil Open Weekend Charity Race. There is also a silent auction which is now live and will close post event with lots of great prizes on offer, all raising money for our charity partners.

Last year, £89,196 was raised for the chosen charity partners. This time around, the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, in its continued support for both the local community and the racing industry, will donate all money raised to the Newmarket Housing Trust and its long-term charity partner Racing Welfare.

The Henry Cecil Open Weekend marks the beginning of The Newmarket Gold Season, a four-week period encompassing the autumn highlights of the town’s racing and breeding industry and also forms a part of National Racehorse Week – a nationwide annual celebration of the racehorse.

Charlie Fellowes, Chairman of The Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said: “We are really looking forward to the Henry Cecil Open Weekend this year. This time, it is the turn of Mr Haggas to be the headline act – it’s the first ever time he’s opened his yard and I’ll be the first in line for a tour around there. We’re also delighted to have two Autism In Racing yards open for the first time in Ross Burden and David Simcock.

“After the yard visits in the morning, there’s the usual fun and games on The Severals, such as the celebrity Show Jumping, the Shetland Grand National and the Fun Dog Show. We’ve also got a new addition in the form of a Trainers’ Race on Saturday over a mile. Sadly, the weight limit was just a bit low for me, but I will be doing the commentating instead. It’s always a really great weekend and all in the name of charity.

We’re also delighted to be supporting the Newmarket Housing Trust, which is aiming to build a hall of residence for young people coming into the racing industry. Last year we raised £89,000 which was a record by a mile. This year, we want 100 grand and I’m sure we can do it.”

Douglas Erskine Crum, Chief Executive at Juddmonte, said: “Juddmonte is very supportive of The Henry Cecil Open Weekend and we are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the event. The weekend celebrates the life of the late Sir Henry Cecil and is a great opportunity for racing to present itself to wider communities. We are proud to support this event and all the vital funds it raises for charities and our thanks go to all Newmarket-based trainers for supporting the event. We need to broaden the appeal of horseracing and create new racing fans and this weekend enables us to do just that.”

Alan Cooper, Racing Manager to the Niarchos Family, commented: “The Niarchos Family is very happy to support the Henry Cecil Open Weekend in memory of the life and legacy of Sir Henry Cecil.

“Light Shift, owned by The Niarchos Family, won the 2007 Oaks at Epsom Downs Racecourse when trained by Sir Henry Cecil. Light Shift provided Sir Henry Cecil with his eighth and last Oaks winner.”

Tickets cost £15 when purchased in advance, £20 on the day. Children under 16 go for free. For further information and a full schedule please visit www.thehenrycecilopenweekend.co.uk.