VISITORS will find out more about behind the scene operations at a successful race yard.

Anthony Honeyball's Potwell Farm Stables in Beaminster will open its doors to the public on Thursday, September 12 in honour of National Racehorse Week 2024.

The event has been fully booked but waiting list places are available.

Anthony Honeyball Racing is among 12 leading trainers in the West Country hosting open days.

From September 7 to 15 there will be more than 120 events taking place across the country, offering the public the chance to see the love, nurture and attention to detail that goes into caring for racehorses.

People will be invited to get up close to the equine stars of horseracing, providing family-friendly demonstrations, exciting displays, and a unique day out with something for everyone. 

Trainers will host tours of Potwell Farm Stables, providing the chance to see horses exercise on the gallops, and on the treadmills and walkers.

TV personality and horseracing fan Chris Hughes, who is an ambassador for National Racehorse Week, said: “There is nothing quite like this in any other sport. It is fantastic that the events are free to attend with everyone welcome to join.

“Getting to experience these magical horses up close cannot be underestimated and racing has created a unique opportunity through National Racehorse Week to help people meet these incredible animals, experience the life of a thoroughbred and talk to the dedicated teams who care for them 365 days a year.”

Potwell Farm was once a dairy farm and is set amidst the west Dorset countryside. Over the past decade it has gradually evolved from a small stud with one barn and a tack room.

Anthony Honeyball began his involvement with horses back at his family home on the Quantocks. He both worked and rode as an amateur for Richard Barber and progressed as a conditional jockey for Paul Nicholls riding 45 winners under rules, before he began his training career in 2006.

Rachael Honeyball, wife and assistant trainer to Anthony, started out in the eventing world working for international event riders and competing up to intermediate level before the racing took over. Her initial point to point victory, aged 19, was while working for Robert Alner in 2002 at Ston Easton on Ski Seal who was trained by Anthony’s mother, Sue. Rachael later joined Richard Barber’s stable where she became National point to point champion, riding over 100 winners on the point to point circuit and over 75 under rules so far.

To register your interest in the event and join the waiting list go to the National Race Horse Week website here