Saddle up for Lambourn's big day

The winner of this year’s Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup, Coneygree, will parade at the 24th Betfair Lambourn Open Day on Good Friday.

Coneygree became the first novice chaser to win the event for more than 40 years and will be joined by Cole Harden who triumphed in the World Hurdle on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival for Lambourn based trainer Warren Greatrex.

Record-breaking steeplechaser Kauto Star will also join the line-up.

The event regularly attracts more than 10,000 visitors to the village, who are provided with a unique, behind-the-scenes access to some of the country’s top racehorse training yards and opportunities to meet the trainers, staff and horses.

The yards fling open their gates from 8.30pm until 1pm and access is free.

Many yards have special exhibits and some demonstrations include horses using hydrotherapy pools.

Then, the afternoon provides a cornucopia of equine attractions and country pursuits for all the family to enjoy.

Camel racing is back, alongside falconry displays, scurry driving and a Puissance show jumping competition featuring top jockeys including the legendary AP McCoy.

There will also be pony rides for the children and a vast array of food stalls, trade stands and fairground attractions.

Top trainer Nicky Henderson said of the event: “This all started in quite a small way 25 years ago and it has grown to be a major attraction which raises thousands for good causes. It really brings people together.”

Fellow Lambourn trainer Harry Dunlop, whose hydrotherapy pools prove a perennial favourite with visitors, agreed: “It breaks down barriers and provides a chance for people to come together to celebrate horse racing and the way in which it is at the heart of life in Lambourn.”

Advance Tickets are available for £12 and entrance is free for children aged under 12.

Visit www.lambourn.info for more information.