ONE of Yorkshire’s most historic stables has been opened to the public for the first time.

Visitors to Sledmere House, at Sledmere, can now tour the stables where the Sykes family have bred some of the world’s most famous racehorses, including Spearmint, Straitlace, Scottish Union, Grey Momus, and Polly Agnes, whose foal Lily Agnes was the dam of unbeaten Triple Crown winner Ormonde, whose descendants include Northern Dancer and Shergar.

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Thoroughbred Grey Momus, who was bred at Sledmere and went on to win the 2,000 Guineas and Gold Cup in the 1838 season

They can also meet the stables’ new inhabitants – a thoroughbred racehorse, a small riding pony and a driving cob.

After training, visitors will be able to see them doing some of the traditional work they would have performed in a great country house. Visitors can see the stables themselves, tack rooms the foaling box and a horse-themed activity room for children.

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Archive picture showing Sir Richard and Lady Virginia Sykes (centre and far right) with King George VI (left), Queen Elizabeth (second from right) and Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II (second from left) on a visit to Sledmere

The stables also contain displays about the building’s history, including a film of the 1913 Derby, during which suffragette Emily Davidson was fatally injured trying to tie a suffragette scarf to the bridle of the king’s horse.

They can also see historic objects relating to the stables, such as the racing plates from some of Sledmere’s most famous horses.

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Sir Tatton Sykes, left, groom James Snarry and Sir George Strickland holding the famous stallion Fandango

Buyers of Sledmere horses in the past included the Queen and the Aga Khan.

The stables will be managed by Hannah Dring, who has worked at many stables and studs around Yorkshire including the Humberside Police stables.

Sir Tatton Sykes, the current baronet, said: “We knew visitors would be thrilled to see horses actually in the stables and to learn more about how they are kept and trained.”

Martin Watts, who has project managed the opening of the stables, said: “This is a unique opportunity to explore one of the most historic racing stables in the country. Visitors can find out more about Sledmere in a very relaxed atmosphere.”

The stables and the walled garden at Sledmere House are open from 10am to 4pm every day except Monday. Admission is £6.50 (concessions available).

A further £3 gains admission to the house, which is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays in May, June and September, plus Fridays in July and August. It is open only on Sundays in October and closes on October 30 for the winter. For details, go to sledmerehouse.com