RENOWNED racing broadcaster and journalist Alastair Down will officially open the Middleham Stables Open Day on Good Friday.

Down, the face of Channel 4 Racing for many years, will launch the day at 9.15am on April 3.

The popular event, celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year, attracted than 6,000 visitors last year and raised more than £18,000 for local and national charities.

Down said: “It is a great honour to be opening Middleham’s special day. My association with racing in Yorkshire goes back 40 years, when I was a student at York University, and I have many happy memories of racing in the county, as well as many friends amongst Yorkshire’s trainers and jockeys.

“I love Yorkshire – and Yorkshire people – and I find all the stereotypes to be completely false. While I was at university I chose to live at Buttercrambe, near Stamford Bridge, because of its proximity to Malton’s gallops.”

Robert Beaumont, one of the open day organisers, said: “We are very privileged to have someone of Alastair’s stature and reputation in the racing world to be our guest of honour on open day.

“His effortless broadcasting style, his consummate knowledge and love of his subject and his engaging and polished prose make him unique.”

Lesley Sweeting, lead organiser of the open day, on behalf of the Middleham Key Centre, added: “His appearance at Middleham once again underlines the high regard in which the town is held within racing in the UK.

“With Alastair joining us, our open day is now going to be very special indeed.”

A total of 14 yards are open to the public from 9.30am until either 1pm or 2.30pm. Free parking is available in Middleham, or nearby Leyburn, with free bus links between car parks and the outlying stables.

This includes Ann and George Duffield, who are opening their successful Sun Hill Stables at Constable Burton from noon until 4pm.

The two main charities to benefit will be the Jessica Bethell Charitable Foundation, in memory of the daughter of James Bethell, the chairman of Middleham Trainers’ Association, and the Household Cavalry Foundation.

Tickets cost £10 per adult, including a souvenir brochure and a chance to win a prize in the programme draw. Admission for accompanied children is free.

For more details, visit www.middlehamstablesopenday.co.uk or phone 01969 624411.