RICHARD Fahey, David O’Meara, Brian Ellison and Mick Easterby are among the leading trainers ready to throw open their stable doors at the ‘Malton Festival of Racing’ in September.

A total of 15 yards in the Malton area have agreed to be involved in the event which will replace the ‘Malton Stables Open Day’ last held in 2015.

The new festival will give racing fans and local residents a rare opportunity to look behind-the-scenes at some of the biggest yards in North Yorkshire.

After meeting the horses, the stable staff, and the trainers, visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of attractions in the afternoon including a jockeys’ relay showjumping competition, Q&A sessions, a dog show, and hobby horse and wheelbarrow races. There will also be a large selection of high-quality food and drink and shopping stalls in the marketplace.

Malton-based trainer Fahey, who is currently third in the Flat Trainers Championship, said: “I’m looking forward to opening Musley Bank (his yard) for the Malton Festival of Racing.

“It’s fantastic to see this event returning to the calendar and there will be a warm welcome for every visitor to the yard. Whether you are just interested in seeing what happens behind-the-scenes, or if you are interested in getting into racehorse ownership, we are looking forward to answering all of your questions and showing you around.”

The event, sponsored by Arena Racing Company, will take place on Sunday, September 17th - just 24 hours after the St Leger meeting at Doncaster.

As the organisers of the event, Racing Welfare will be the main beneficiary charity, with a proportion of the funds raised also going to local causes.

Racing Welfare has a significant presence in Malton, providing wide-ranging support to those in the area who work or have worked in racing.

The charity’s regional office at Old Maltongate provides a base for two welfare officers as well as accommodation for six young people starting out in racing careers.

Retired racing staff in the Malton area are also well catered for with social events which can prevent loneliness or social isolation in the community.

Sarah Fanning, regional welfare manager for the north at Racing Welfare said: “The Malton Festival of Racing, incorporating the Stables Open Day, is a key event for the horseracing industry in the area. It helps to highlight the success of racing in the North of England and provides a special opportunity for racing fans and local people to see the hard work that takes place behind the scenes.”

Tickets to the event are on sale now at www.maltonfestivalofracing.co.uk priced £10 (adults), £7.50 (concessions). Children under 16 go free.