Top jumps trainer Olly Murphy is opening his doors to up to 2,000 members of the public next week, determined to show horse racing in the best possible light. Murphy will be joined by champion jump jockey Sean Bowen at his 145-box yard at Wilmcote, near Stratford-Upon-Avon, at the event on Tuesday, one of the biggest stable visits to be staged during National Racehorse Week.
National Racehorse Week expands across Britain
Over ten days from August 22 to 31, 96 different racing venues across England, Scotland and Wales will be open to the public, alongside over 50 community events and three city activations held at some of England's biggest cities and landmarks. The sport is coming to the heart of London for the first time when the public can meet a racehorse at one of four city pop-up racing yards. Two will be held in Liverpool and another in Portsmouth.
Spaces are available for more than 15,500 people to attend public events this year, an increase on last year's figure of 14,800 free spaces available to book. During the event there will be 111 public open days across 96 venues including 76 training yards, 11 studs and nine aftercare centres.
Murphy on horse welfare and public engagement
Murphy has been a staunch supporter of National Racehorse Week, believing he has a duty to show the sport's commitment to horse welfare. "We are opening our gates to an unlimited number," he said. "We are at a very important stage in horse racing and this gives the wider public an opportunity to see what we do."
"I am very keen to have the public come in and see how these horses are looked after, spend the morning with us and meet myself and the staff and see how we operate." As well as Bowen signing brochures, Murphy will put on various demonstrations of the operation of a racing yard.
Event details and bookings
"This is not about me trying to get new business or new owners, it's just to welcome everyone into Warren Chase who might not have seen a racing yard before or even those who have," he said. "It's important we can show off our sport and what goes on behind closed doors. Anyone who hasn't got the greatest perspective of how a racehorse is looked after and is very inquisitive please come along and see the love, care and attention we give these horses."
National Racehorse Week runs from the 22nd to 31st August 2026. Bookings open on 15th July. Events are free to attend, advance booking is required. At some events spaces are limited. To browse participating venues and secure your place, visit www.nationalracehorseweek.uk.
