Member Article

Middleham Open Day cancelled - but Ann Duffield will open her Sun Hill stables

Trainer Ann Duffield and husband George, the former classic-winning jockey, are maintaining a fine Middleham tradition on Good Friday (March 25) by opening their Sun Hill stables.

Although the popular Middleham Stables Open Day has been cancelled this year, the Duffields do not want to disappoint those who have become regular supporters of their yard and who come to Middleham each year on Good Friday.

Ann Duffield explained: “It’s a tremendous shame that the Open Day has been cancelled, because it is one of the most popular events in the northern racing calendar and has become something of a tradition.

“This year I suspect quite a few people will come to Middleham anyway, unaware the Open Day has been cancelled. So we will be here at Sun Hill to welcome them – and to make sure their day out hasn’t been wasted.

“We will also be 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 will be here on Good Friday, too,” said Ann.

The Duffields will open their stables at Constable Burton, near Middleham, from 10am until 2.00pm. Admission is free.

There will be hot drinks, refreshments and stalls, with all proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Full details are on the Duffields brand-new website, www.annduffield.co.uk, which has seen a staggering 24,000 hits during the past two weeks.

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

“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.

“We will be introducing a stellar selection of two-year-olds, bought as yearlings last autumn at Doncaster, Newmarket, Fairyhouse, Deauville and Arcana. We are very pleased with them – and very excited about the season ahead”.

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 very hopeful that the coming season will be our best yet – and our Open Day on Good Friday will showcase the talent we have.”

A spokesman for the Middleham Stables Open Day explained: “Trainers and organisers were worried about bad weather as Easter is so early this year. The traditional Good Friday date really needs good weather, which vital for the enjoyment of this event. Being in March this year increases the chance of it being hampered by the weather.”

For further information, please contact Ann Duffield on 01677 450303 or at ann@annduffield.co.uk and www.annduffield.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .