NORTH Yorkshire racehorse trainer Ann Duffield was "delighted" with the turnout after keeping an Easter tradition alive - and helping to raise money for charity to boot.

As reported by The Press, the annual Middleham Stables Open Day was cancelled this year because of fears about the weather.

However, Duffield, who trains at Constable Burton, near Leyburn, wanted to keep the Good Friday tradition going and opened her Sun Hill stables as normal - being rewarded as hundreds of enthusiasts turned up.

Duffield, who is assisted by husband and former jockey George, said: "We didn't know what to expect with the other yards not opening but we were determined to open as usual and we were delighted with the turnout. The weather was glorious.

“It was a tremendous shame that the open day was cancelled, because it is one of the most popular events in the northern racing calendar and has become something of a tradition.

“This year quite a few people came to Middleham anyway. We were here at Sun Hill to welcome them – and made sure their day out wasn’t wasted.

“We were on hand to help and to advise anyone interested in owning racehorses.

"Over the years we have been lucky enough to attract many new owners thanks to the Middleham Open Day. Once again our successful syndicates were here on Good Friday."

The event was also used to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, with Christine Swiers fundraising there ahead of riding in a special charity race at York Races on June 11.

Swiers, 53, from Helperby, is one of 12 amateur riders who have been chosen to take part in the race.

Each rider has to raise a minimum of £3,000 but she has already raised £7,700 and she made an extra £1,000-plus on Friday through donations and a cake stall.

Swiers will be raising more cash at a wine-tasting and auction at The Friar's Head, Akebar, at 7pm on April 27. Tickets, costing £25, can be booked by phoning her on 07776 425300 or emailing christineswiers1@gmail.com. She is also staging a fundraising fashion show at Millbry Hill, Richmond, on May 25.

The Duffields’ special Open Day came in the wake of the best-ever season they have enjoyed with their two-year-olds.

Ann Duffield said: “We had a tremendous year last year, with 21 two-year-old winners and some smart performances with our older horses too, with stable favourite George Dryden winning impressively at York. We have also retained several of our two-year-old stars for this year’s campaign.

She added: “The past few seasons have seen our small yard grow in size and quality, with our facilities also improving year on year and now including a super water treadmill. We are hopeful the coming season will be our best yet – and our Open Day showcased the talent we have.”