Imagine being shown some of the King and Queen Consort’s racehorses by legendary trainers William Haggas, John and Thady Gosden, and Sir Mark Prescott. It’s an exciting prospect now possible with Discover Newmarket’s exclusive Royal Yard Tours.
By kindly agreeing to open their stable doors to our visitors, these world-famous trainers have enabled us to create a very special way to mark the Coronation of Charles III. We’re able to offer a rare chance to join these trainers on personal tours of their stables, not only to see where the King and Queen Consort’s horses in training are stabled but hear entertaining stories from the trainer’s fascinating careers.
And what tales they will have to tell. Sir Mark has spent 50 years at the top of the sport and trained more than 2,000 winners at Heath House Stables, including his most recent win with Alpinista at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. John Gosden, who now trains jointly with son Thady at Clarehaven Stables, has turned out more than 100 Group 1 winners in races across the world. And William Haggas, at Somerville Lodge, is one of the most respected trainers in the business and a seven-time Classic winner.
The full-day tours don’t end at the stable door, but also take in the sights of the home of horseracing. We’ll call by landmarks such as the hallowed training grounds, the Gallops, and take a guided tour of the National Stud to view the resident stallions, which this year have been joined by the champion thoroughbred Stradivarius.
After a brunch with bubbles (of course) at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa’s 2 AA Rosette Squires Restaurant, the fun continues in the afternoon at the National Horse Racing Museum, set on the former site of Charles II’s Palace and Stables.
There, visitors will be able to browse the captivating collection at their leisure, discovering the history of Newmarket, viewing Royal racing silks, and admiring masterpieces of equine art by Sir Alfred Munnings and George Stubbs. There’s even the chance of a thrilling gallop on the horseracing simulator. Plus, it’s all topped off with a cream tea at the museum’s Tack Room restaurant.
There are just three dates available for these fantastic tours, which cost £165 per person: 2 May with William Haggas at Somerville Lodge; 29 May with John and Thady Gosden at Clarehaven Stables; and 26 July with Sir Mark Prescott at Heath House Stables. Snap one up today!
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