ON Good Friday the racing community in Middleham opens its doors to the public to see hundreds of racehorses up close and relaxed.

As well as being a great day out and an opportunity to raise money for local charities, it also provides the chance to recognise the hard-working staff across the country who make sure that racehorses receive first-class care.

British racing is among the world’s best regulated animal activities, and is recognised as a world leader on horse welfare.

It is also committed to providing the best possible standards of veterinary care for its horses and has invested, via the Horserace Betting Levy Board, more than £27 million since 2000 in veterinary research and education.

This commitment to maintaining high standards of equine welfare extends beyond a racehorse’s career on the racecourse.

An increasing number of racehorses go on to successful second careers after retiring from the track, an aspect that will be marked on Good Friday at Middleham by the presence of former star chaser Mister McGoldrick, appearing on behalf of the charity New Beginnings.

There are now over 10,000 horses registered as active in other equine disciplines outside of racing, including polo, showing, dressage and eventing, as well as those horses happily engaged in hacking and exercising.

Robert Beaumont, The Horse Comes First, Minskip, Boroughbridge, York.