HORSE racing fans have an opportunity to look behind-the-scenes at some of North Yorkshire's top yards on East Monday.

A total of 12 leading trainers are opening their doors for the popular 'Middleham Open Day' which is back after a year's absence from the racing calendar.

The busy racing town of Middleham has been home to horses in training for more than 200 years. The town’s racing industry continues to thrive and there are currently 15 training yards located in and around the area.

As well as horses in training, there will be special appearances from horses on Monday who have now retired following top careers in the sport.

Visitors to Ann Duffield’s Sun Hill Farm will be able to meet Cheltenham Festival winners Peddlers Cross and Cinders and Ashes.

Seven years ago, Peddlers Cross was the winner of the Neptune Investment Management Novice’s Hurdle, the John Smith’s Mersey Novices Hurdle at Aintree, and the Fighting Fifth at Newbury.

Cinders and Ashes, meanwhile, was a Cheltenham Festival winner in 2012, taking the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle.

At Barry Keniry’s Warwick Lodge pre-training stables, visitors will be able to meet top-class dual purpose pair Junior and Mad Moose.

Junior holds the accolade of being a winner at both Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival.

Mad Moose was arguably more famous for his refusal to race than success on the track but is now a winner in the dressage arena. Despite his enigmatic nature, Mad Moose was a highly talented performer under both codes and finished second to Sprinter Sacre in the Clarence House at Ascot.

Patrick Holmes’ Foulrice Park Racing at Little Spigot will be hosting a stand to promote the work of York-based racehorse re-homing charity New Beginnings.

Visitors with an interest in equine fitness and rehabilitation will be able to watch an equine spa demonstration at Mark Johnston’s Park Farm which houses not only an indoor equine pool but also a water-walker and a treadmill.

Ann Duffield’s yard will also be staging a water treadmill demonstration.

The yards are open from 9.30am to 1pm and the fun will move across to Low Moor in the afternoon with a schooling demonstration featuring local National Hunt horses followed by an inter-yard stable staff competition.

The competition will promise plenty of thrills and spills with activities include showjumping, gymkhana, a gallop run (on two legs) and a tug-of-war.

There will also be a number of local businesses in attendance including equine artist Brian Halton, jeweller Rosemary Hetherington and The Saddle Room as well as refreshments including local Wensleydale Ice Cream.

Organised by Racing Welfare, with sponsorship from the Arena Racing Company, the event is a full day-out suitable for the whole family.

As organisers of the event, Racing Welfare will be the main beneficiary charity with a proportion of funds raised also going to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Funds raised will also be used to work alongside the Jessica Bethell Charitable Foundation to help develop a facility for young racing staff who star their careers in Middleham.

Tickets are still on sale for the event at www.middlehamopenday.co.uk priced £10 with free admission for children under 16. Tickets are also available to purchase on the day.