MENZIES EXCITED ABOUT NATIONAL RACEHORSE WEEK OPEN DAY

Features | 9th September 2021

When Rebecca Menzies began training five years ago, she had only six horses to work with. Today she has a stable of 70 Flat and National Hunt horses and is on course to enjoy her best year so far.

Now Rebecca is opening the doors of her impressive Howe Hills Stables near Sedgefield to give racing enthusiasts an insight into her thriving dual-purpose operation.

The open day on Saturday 18th September has been organised as part of the inaugural National Racehorse Week – a nationwide celebration of the racehorse and the love, care and attention that goes into looking after them.

“The response has been amazing,” says Rebecca. “We initially planned to host 100 people but when that quickly filled up we extended it to 150. Now we’re up to 350 which is so exciting.”

During the fully subscribed event, Rebecca and her dedicated team will demonstrate how her growing yard operates, with horses exercising on the gallops, the horse walker and even receiving treatment in the solarium.

“It’s going to be great to open our doors and show people how well our horses are cared for. They’re treated like kings and queens. The love between the riders, the grooms and their horses is massive, as our visitors will see.”

Rebecca’s racing secretary and work rider Ann Dawson adds: “There will be a lot of people who have never been on a racing yard so it will be nice for them to see what goes on behind the scenes.

“The horses here are all individuals which makes it even more rewarding working with them. It’s very satisfying to break a horse in as a youngster and develop it to reach the racecourse. When they win it’s even more special.”

Rider Holly Taylor insists the thoroughbreds in their care are not just racehorses. “I’m looking forward to telling people stories about them and for them to see how we develop connections with them all,” she adds.

Closing in on her best annual total on the Flat after setting a personal best tally of 26 over jumps last season, Rebecca pays tribute to her hard-working team.

“For many of my riders horses began as a hobby so it’s great they’ve been able to pursue it as a career. The supporting team around me is the reason for our success. I use the best vets, the best farriers, the best physios … it’s a big team effort.”

The ambitious young trainer also stresses the importance of syndicates and racing clubs to her success at Howe Hills.

Stoneleigh Racing’s versatile Wynford has flown the flag for shared ownership with three wins – two on the Flat and one over hurdles – while Getareason has been in the winner’s enclosure for Titanium Racing and All Hail Caesar won a chase and a hurdle for the Top Silk Syndicate.

“Syndicates are a massive part of racing now,” she adds. “People can share the costs and the benefits of ownership which is attracting new people to our sport, and that’s so important.

You can find out more about Rebecca’s Racing Club HERE.

National Racehorse Week takes place between 12th and 19th September. 

For more information visit – nationalracehorseweek.uk

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