TRAINER Ann Duffield reckons she could have some of the most “exciting” horses she has ever had at Sun Hill Stables.

The Constable Burton-based handler will be showing off her new breed to visitors when she mans the fort at the annual Middleham Stables Open Day, which is held on Good Friday.

Duffield, opening all day for the first time at the popular event, held on April 6, has seen her yard grow and enjoyed a record 37 winners last year.

Sun Hill will open its doors at 9.30am and close at 4pm. There will be a shuttle bus service to and from Middleham all day, with ample parking available both there and at Sun Hill, and Duffield reckons there will be plenty to take in.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the quality of the yearlings we bought last autumn and we can’t wait to introduce them to the racing public,” she said. “I am confident that the best of them will become some of the most exciting horses we have trained here at Sun Hill.

“The past five seasons have seen our small yard grow in size and quality, achieving a phenomenal number of winners and placed horses.”

Duffield, who trains for the likes of Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, leading owner Sir Robert Ogden and the successful Middleham Park Racing Syndicate, will also be joined on the day by West Witton’s Ferdy Murphy, who will be bringing some of his best horses along from his nearby yard.

“We usually open in the afternoon only on the Middleham Stables Open Day, but with added afternoon events in Middleham it made sense for us to open early so people had the choice of visiting us on the way into Middleham,” Duffield added.

“Ferdy, George and myself, together with some of our jockeys, will be available all day to talk to visitors and potential owners and to answer all their questions. This is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the horses and to see what it is like inside a busy racing yard.

“During the day, there will be a parade of the Bedale Hunt horses and hounds, a farrier demonstration by local blacksmith Huw Dyer and some select stalls, including Rosemary Hetherington jewellery and the award-winning Weareaglesdare Clothing.

“In the afternoon, my husband George, together with leading Middleham trainers Mark Johnston and Patrick Haslam, will be taking part in a question and answer session with the public on Middleham’s Low Moor.”

For further information, phone Ann Duffield on 01677 450303 or email ann@annduffield.co.uk