Thursday 28th August, 2025

Thank you to everyone who made our open morning yesterday for National Racehorse Week so successful.  Over 120 visitors and owners saw the horses go through their paces on the gallops before watching a jumping session by The Last Drop and jockey Harry Bannister.  After this, 16-year-old retired racehorse Poyle Thomas demonstrated his enjoyable retirement ridden by Anna Metekohy.

It was then back to the village hall to enjoy the many cakes made by owners, with enthusiastic volunteers providing refreshments ready for an interview session led by legendary broadcaster and owner John Inverdale.  Racing vet Sam Offord, along with physio Maggie Turner and veterinary dentist Tash Seely explained their professions before giving demonstrations of their work, along with our farrier Jim Pilcher in the yard.

‘Invers’ also spoke to jockey Finn Lambert about life in the saddle, whilst ten-year-old Daisy, daughter of former employee Melissa Chesterman – explained enthusiastically why her ambition is to work at Adlestrop Stables and become champion jockey.

Twins Phoebe and Charlie Clarkson told our visitors about their summer challenge to raise money for Young Lives V Cancer and thanks to our visitors, they raised an extra £500 towards their mission taking their total to over £1500.  It would be great to get them to £2000 if possible  – if you would like to donate, please do so HERE.

Thanks to Ollie McPhail from Racing To School for bringing his horse simulators for young people to have a go on before the yard opened for all to meet the horses and team.  It was great to see so many young people engaging with the horses who all enjoyed the extra carrots.

Well done to Toby Howson for winning the competition to guess the weight of Fighting Poet – and we look forward to him sharing his prize of a big box of chocolates with his family, including grandfather, legendary bloodstock agent Geoffrey.

On Tuesday it was a pleasure to take Brighton winner Fighting Poet to the African Caribbean Centre in the middle of Leicester.  An inspiring afternoon, when so many people engaged with Poet and enjoyed having their photo taken with him.  I am sure those present will never forget the experience of meeting and touching a racehorse and hopefully Poet and the sport gained some new friends.