+

20th - 21st September 2025

Website-banner

SATURDAY 21ST AND SUNDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER 2019

NEWMARKET OPEN WEEKEND RENAMED THE ‘HENRY CECIL OPEN WEEKEND’ TO CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF MUCH-LOVED TRAINER

The Newmarket Open Weekend has been renamed the ‘Henry Cecil Open Weekend’ to celebrate the life of the iconic and much-loved trainer.  The three-year partnership, which will begin this year, is supported by a group of previous owners of Sir Henry and will help raise money for local charities.

The Henry Cecil Open Weekend will remain committed to continue the event’s support for the welfare and development of young racing staff in Newmarket, primarily through the work of its main beneficiary; Racing Welfare.

Since the return of the Open Weekend to Newmarket in 2012, over a quarter of a million pounds has been raised for local and racing charities, including £115,000 for the Racing Welfare Newmarket Housing Project.  As part of this project renovation of MacDonald Buchanan House will begin this August which, once completed, will provide 18 units of high-quality accommodation for the young racing staff in the town.

This year’s Henry Cecil Open Weekend will take place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September and is set to be an action packed two days.  During the Open Weekend visitors will get the chance to see some of the world’s best racehorses on Warren Hill Gallops, tour a number of Newmarket’s finest equine sites, go racing at the Rowley Mile racecourse, and visit the yards of leading Newmarket trainers.

Charlie Fellowes, Chairman of the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, said;

“We are thrilled to have the support and to be associated with such an iconic figure in racing.  The Henry Cecil Open Weekend is about celebrating his life, raising money for some very worthwhile local causes, and offering racing fans the opportunity to see behind the scenes.  We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors here in September.”

Dawn Goodfellow, Chief Executive of Racing Welfare, said;

“The Henry Cecil Open Weekend is a standout occasion in the calendar each year and is one that we are very grateful to benefit from.  The renovation of MacDonald Buchanan House is a key project in the town and funds raised by the event will help us in our aim to ensure that young people working in racing have the best possible start to their careers by the provision of high-quality, safe accommodation.  We hope that the Henry Cecil Open Weekend is a huge success this year and thank the committee for their ongoing support of Racing Welfare.”

For further information on the Henry Cecil Open Weekend please visit our website at phpstack-25489-1437829.cloudwaysapps.com.  Tickets will be available to purchase online next week, with prices starting at £15 per person for a Sunday only ticket. Children aged 12 and under go free all weekend.

ends

For more information please contact Alice Cooper, Account Manager at JSC Comms, at alice@jsccomms.co.uk or call 07468105008.

Notes to Editor:

About the Henry Cecil Open Weekend

Newmarket racehorse trainers open their doors to celebrate the life of Henry Cecil and to raise money for local charities. The Henry Cecil Open Weekend is a fantastic opportunity to visit the town of Newmarket and go behind the scenes at Horse Racing’s HQ

Equines sites open during the weekend; British Racing School, Jockey Club Rooms, Tattersalls Bloodstock Auctioneers, Newmarket Equine Hospital, National Stud, and the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art.

Yards opening will be announced at a later date.

2019 Ticket Prices:

£30 per person – Grandstand and paddock enclosure access to the racecourse on Saturday 21 September and Sunday wristband for all Open Weekend activities. A voucher will be issued for access to Saturday morning Open Weekend sites (donations preferred).

or

£37 per person – Premier enclosure access to the racecourse on Saturday and Sunday wristband for all Open Weekend activities. A voucher will be issued for access to Saturday morning Open Weekend sites (donations preferred).

or

£15 per person for Sunday only of Open Weekend. No access to racing on Saturday afternoon.

£3 for a NOW programme

U12 go free all weekend

Social media handles for the Henry Cecil Open Weekend

Twitter: @HenryCecilWknd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newmarketopenweekend

Instagram: @HenryCecilWknd

Back

21st and 22nd 2019

Save the date: Newmarket Open Weekend 2019

Next year’s Newmarket Open Weekend will take place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September.

The Open Weekend gives racing fans the opportunity to see behind the scenes at horse racing’s HQ and meet some of their equine heroes.

Tickets are not yet available to purchase. Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates.

Back

‘Hacks’ Class at Palace House

Don’t miss this years Hacks Showing Class at the Newmarket Open Weekend!  Taking place tomorrow at 12pm at the Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art (Palace House).

Hacks, including non-thoroughbreds, can be entered if they are a resident at a Newmarket based trainer’s yard and all hacks must have been used as such on the Newmarket Heath.

The trainer’s hack is somewhat of an unsung hero of the sport but they play an integral part to all trainer’s yards, acting as trusty steed to many trainers and assistants.

Entry to this fun event is free but we do recommend turning up in plenty of time to get a good seat!

Back

No Disabled Mini Bus on Sunday

Please note that our disabled mini bus will NOT be running this year due to unforeseen circumstances. Our driver has suffered a bereavement and we have been unable to find a replacement at this late notice. I hope this will not affect your visit and again apologise for the inconvenience. There will be some parking available at the yards. Please feel free to drive and park for easier travel and movement for wheelchair users.

Our apologies again.

Back

ADVANCED ONLINE BOOKINGS ARE NOW CLOSED

Our advanced prices are no longer on offer, but tickets can be purchased on the day.  Prices and information are as follows:

 

Saturday:

Morning: No payment or wristband is needed for Saturday morning attractions/tours.  They are all free of charge, but we do ask you make a small donation if you feel appropriate. All money goes towards our charities.

Afternoon: Tickets must be purchased for racing. These can be purchased at the entry gates of the Rowley Mile Racecourse.  Ticket prices from £16.20 per person. U18’s race free. More info here – http://newmarket.thejockeyclub.co.uk/events-tickets/whats-on/

 

Sunday:

Wristbands will be available to purchase at the British Racing School, Museum, and Rowley Mile Racecourse (Discover Newmarket stand) on Saturday. They are £17 per person.  They will also be available to purchase on Sunday from any of the sites, yards open, and car parks. Children 12 and under free.

 

There is a £5 additional fee for tours of the Jockey Club Rooms. This is the only tour/attraction which charges an additional fee.

Please get in touch if you have any queries.

Back

THE NOW SILENT AUCTION IS OPEN; WIN SOME AMAZING PRIZES

The 2018 Newmarket Open Weekend silent auction is OPEN!

Bid online at https://givergy.uk/now2018

We have some wonderful items included in our online auction, such as a morning on the gallops with Sir Mark Prescott, a chance to become an owner for the day, a spa day for two, and an incredible opportunity to have a commission by  famous artist Ripley.

Please note bidding for Lots 2-16 will close at 9pm on Sunday 30th September. The bidding for Lot 1 (Ripley commission) will close at the later date of 9pm on Wednesday 24th October.

Items are subject to terms and conditions as listed on the silent auction webpage.

Back

20 TRAINERS TO OPEN THEIR YARDS FOR NOW2018

Trainers 2018

Back

Exclusive book signings by Rosemary Shrager at this year’s Newmarket Food & Drink Festival!

Celebrity chef, Rosemary Shrager will be bringing her latest cookery book, ‘Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery Course’ to the Newmarket Food & Drink Festival this weekend, the 15th & 16th September, for exclusive book signings at Tindalls Newmarket and Palace House Shop, with the opportunity to purchase before anyone else.

Not only will Rosemary be taking to the G’s Fresh Cookery Live Kitchen on Saturday 15th to headline the fantastic cookery demonstrations taking place over the foodie-filled weekend, but she will be offering exclusive access to her latest cookery book, ahead of its official release date on the 4th October 2018 with signings across Newmarket.

The new cookbook and foolproof guide, ‘Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery Course’ brings to budding chefs over 150 scrumptious recipes, accompanied by her unrivalled knowledge and expert guidance.

Filled to the brim with tips and tricks to show you everything, from the very basics of the perfect poached egg to more complex dishes such as a hearty chicken and potato pie from scratch, and even a four bird roast, this book is designed to support and teach techniques.

Rosemary Shrager says:

“My philosophy is always to be inquisitive and bold, unafraid to try new things and new ideas – while not forgetting the importance of knowing the basic techniques. I want to encourage people not only to cook but also to enjoy cooking. It doesn’t have to be a chore.’

The return of Newmarket Food & Drink Festival on the 15th and 16th September gives you the perfect opportunity to pick up some tips with Rosemary Shrager and a whole other host of local chefs demonstrating amazing cookery skills. As well as the cooking demonstrations and book signings there will be a host of delicious food and drink stalls to explore and pick up a treat from, and there will be live music and entertainment available around Palace Street all weekend.

The 2018 fayre will be completely FREE to attend and will tie into the 850-year anniversary celebration of Newmarket’s Market Charter.

Proceeds from the Food & Drink Festival will go to this year’s charities, Racing Welfare’s Newmarket Housing Project, the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art at Palace House, Newmarket, the Newmarket Day Centre and Newmarket Academy’s social mobility fund.

The Food & Drink Festival will open each day at 11.00am and finish at 6.00pm on Saturday and 5.00pm on Sunday, so make your way down for great food, delicious drinks and top tips! Admission to the Newmarket Food & Drink Festival 2018 is FREE so there’s no need for a ticket.

‘Rosemary Shrager’s Cookery Course’ book will be on sale over the weekend of the Newmarket Food & Drink Festival priced at £20, with special signings by Rosemary taking place on the 15th September at 10.30am at Tindalls, Newmarket and 14.15pm at Palace House Shop.

Back

TOM GOFF, JOHN GOSDEN, AND DAVID SIMCOCK TO GIVE 2018 TATTERSALLS TALK

LOTS TO SEE AND HEAR AT TATTERSALLS THIS OPEN WEEKEND

Founded in 1766, Tattersalls is Europe’s leading bloodstock auctioneers, offering 10,000 thoroughbred horses at its HQ in Newmarket, Suffolk, and in Fairyhouse, Ireland.  Each year the racing fraternity descend on its sale ring in the hope to buy the next Champion – including Classic and Group 1 winners.

Many Tattersalls graduates have proved highly successful on the track, including October Yearling Book 1 purchases, Camelot and Australia, both winners of the Epsom Derby, plus this year’s Irish and Yorkshire Oaks winner, Sea of Class.

This year Tattersalls is kindly sponsoring Warren Hill Gallops, where Newmarket’s top strings will be put through their paces on Sunday morning (8am -9am).  Tattersalls will also be open to the public that same day from 10:30am to 1pm.

Don’t miss your chance to then hear top agent Tom Goff (Blandford Bloodstock) giving his thoughts and feedback on ‘What to look for when buying a racehorse’.  He will be joined by trainers John Gosden and David Simcock, plus some four-legged friends, as they discuss horse conformation and pedigrees.

The Tattersalls talk starts at 12pm in the main sales ring. It will be approx one hour long.

 

Back

Correction: Jockey Club Room Tours on Sunday only

The Jockey Club Rooms will be taking tours on Sunday 23rd September only this year.  Tours will take place at the following times; 11am – 12noon, 1pm – 2pm, 2.30pm – 3.30pm.

Tour places are limited and will therefore be offered on a first come first served basis. All participants will be charged £5 for the tour which will include light refreshments.

This private member club has been the core of British racing for more than 250 years and the tour will not only allow you to take in glorious architecture, but you will also have the chance to see many pieces of magnificent art.

Travel down the same corridors that have been walked by many racing legends to the dining room, where paintings of previous Derby winners hang, along from the works of leading equine artists such as George Stubbs and Alfred Munnings, which can be found in both the Morning Room and Card Room.

This really is a rare and special opportunity to visit the spiritual home of British horseracing and is definitely an experience that is not to be missed.

 

Jockey Club Rooms Tours:

Sunday ONLY.

Tour start times: 11am, 1pm, 2:30pm

We will not be taking any advance reservations, ALL tours, will be conducted on a First Come First Served Basis.

Tours will be £5.00 per person per tour.

Tours are limited to around the 30-35 mark.

Tea and coffee available a half an hour before each tour start time.

Back