Denton Hall News

Racegoers flock to Denton Hall open day for fascinating insight into the sport

RACEGOERS were given a fascinating insight into the sport today as one of the North’s leading trainers staged an open day to mark National Racehorse Week.

The open day at Denton Hall – home of Michael Dods Racing – attracted a large number of visitors to the County Durham yard.

The day started with three winning horses – Wor Willie, Dulla Bhatti and Diamondonthehill – cantering up the picturesque gallops.

That was followed by demonstrations of the equine spa, equine treadmill, farrier skills, physiotherapy and INDIBA treatment.

The guests were also shown horses going through the starting stalls, and were allowed to walk around the stables, seeing stars like Commanche Falls, who made history this season by winning the Stewards’ Cup at Glorious Goodwood two years in a row, along with other prolific winners, Dakota Gold and Gale Force Maya.

Group One-winning trainer Michael Dods mixed with the members of the public, talked through different aspects of training, and answered questions.

David Palmer, of Washington, said: “I came last year and loved it, and couldn’t wait to come back again. It’s a real highlight of the year to be able to get up close to the horses. It’s brilliant the way Michael stands and talks to people in such a down to earth way – it’s just a phenomenal experience.”

Judith Thorpe, who’d travelled from Cleveleys, near Blackpool, was equally as impressed: “We were originally going to go to the Malton Open Day but, when that got cancelled, we decided to come here. It’s so friendly and Michael and his staff are so approachable. It’s been a lovely morning.”

And Anthony Hull, who’d travelled from Haydock with wife Carole, said: “It’s great to give people a better understanding about how racehorses are treated and the care that goes into it.”

Michael Dods said: “We think it’s really important to give people an insight behind the scenes, so they have a clearer understanding about what goes into training racehorses, and how well they’re looked after.

“We’d like to thank everyone for coming and showing an interest in what we do. It was great to see such a strong turnout and we hope they all enjoyed themselves.”