Cotswold Racing Stable Tours

For horse racing enthusiasts, lovers of all things equestrian, and the just plain curious, a stable tour can be a really fascinating and thrilling experience. There are often opportunities to meet the trainers themselves and chat, watch the horses on the gallops and witness first-hand the comings and goings of everyday training life in the yard. I’ve been on a few stable tours now and it’s always a real delight to get closer to the horses and meet those who are passionate about them. Plus, our local yards are always surrounded by glorious rolling Cotswold countryside. For me, behind the scenes is the beating heart of the horse racing world and goes hand in hand with the buzz of Cheltenham Festival and other national hunt events.

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To get you in the mood for Cheltenham Festival we’ve compiled a list below of all the Cotswold national hunt trainers offering stable tours, their costs, locations and where to book. Be sure to head over to their individual websites to find the ins and outs of each tour available. 

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‍Martin Keighley Racing – Condicote Stables, Moreton-in-Marsh

Runs throughout the year Monday-Saturday starting at 8.00am. Priced at £50pp for an hour and a half tour. Includes watching the horses on the gallops, a tour of the yard plus a bacon sandwich and hot drink.

Find out more details here:

https://martinkeighleyracehorsetrainer.com/

Contact: keighleyracing@btinternet.com

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Charlie Longsdon Racing – Hull Farm Stables, Chipping Norton

Runs at various times throughout the year with tours starting at 9.15am. Priced £65pp for 1½ hour tour including coffee and a bacon sarnie.

Find more details here:

https://www.charlielongsdonracing.com/aboutus/stable-tours/

Contact: info@charlielongsdonracing.com 

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Kim Bailey Racing – Thorndale Farm, Andoversford

Runs from Monday – Saturday, starting at 8.15am. Priced at £80pp or £500 for 10 people with a business breakfast included.

Find more details here:

http://www.kimbaileyracing.com/thorndale-farm/morning-on-the-gallops/

Contact: info@kimbailey.com 

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Fergal O’Brien Racing – Ravenswell Farm, Withington 

Runs from Monday – Saturday, starting at 8.15am. Priced at £80pp or £500 for 10 people with a business breakfast included.

Find more details here:

https://www.fergalobrienracing.co.uk/ravenswell-farm

Contact: admin@fergalobrienracing.com

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Jonjo O’Neill – Jackdaws Castle, Temple Guiting 

Runs on various days throughout the year. Starts at 7.15am at The Lygon Arms in Broadway for a sit-down breakfast where you’ll be joined by your tour host. Then you’ll head to the yard for a detailed tour. Priced at £250pp.

Find more details here:

https://www.jonjooneillracing.com/stable-tours.html

Contact: pa@jonjooneillracing.com quoting VIP Stable tours

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Ben Pauling Racing – Naunton Downs Estate, Naunton 

Runs on various days depending on tour package:

Bronze £50pp runs Monday – Friday with warm drinks and refreshments. 

Silver £100pp runs various days, a longer tour plus a glass of champagne and bacon sarnie.     

Gold £150 – £175pp depending on group size and includes glass of champagne, sit-down breakfast and a detailed tour. 

Find more details here:

https://www.benpaulingracing.com/stable-tours.html

Contact: info@benpaulingracing.com 

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Martin Keighley Racing: Interview

With Cheltenham Festival on our minds, we head over to Martin Keighley Racing Stables to chat about his work and his hopes for Cheltenham Festival. To find out more, watch the video below.

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