Posted: 23rd April 2024 | Back to news feed
IN SUFFOLK
The home of British Horseracing is welcoming a new series of horse-lover attractions to the grounds of Newmarket’s National Horseracing Museum over the coming months. Between May and October, these events, each one in the Peter O’Sullevan Arena, will make a perfect day out for both the seasoned horse enthusiast and the curious newcomer. The line up ranges from a display from the classic breed of Suffolk Punch Horses to the quirkier showcase of Horseback Falconry.
Horse-Lover Event Ticket Prices: Adults £15 and children under 16 go free, including admission to the National Horseracing Museum. Alternatively, a £5 ticket grants outdoor access only. [See below for discounted ticket prices.]
Horse Back Falconry – 18 May
The Recycled Racehorse Falconry Team will descend upon the National Horseracing Museum on Saturday 18 May to put on a rare display (at 11am and 1pm) demonstrating the true versatility and intelligence of retrained racehorses. Husband and wife team, Martin and Philippa Whitley, who make up two of the team, are accompanied by five ex-racehorses and a host of birds of prey. Over two hours, they will explain how they have learnt to work together, delving into how the relationships were formed, and impress the crowd with a series of awe-inspiring tricks.
RoR Racing to Horseball Cup – 29 June
The British Horseball Association and the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) charity have teamed up to create the RoR Racing to Horseball British Cup to recognise and encourage the retraining of retired racehorses into Horseball horses. This new UK British Cup 2024 is a 3-part Summer tournament, with the Part 1 Qualifiers held in the Peter O’Sullevan Arena of the National Horseracing Museum on Saturday 29 June between 11am and 4pm. There are currently over 40 horses in the UK that play Horseball. The natural speed, agility and experience of ‘running with the crowd’ that racehorses possess make them very willing players and they are a joy to retrain. The game of Horseball itself is fast-paced and involves a team of riders passing and throwing a ball, all whilst on horseback. It is a great spectator sport and an even greater opportunity for ex-racehorses to continue to stretch their legs after a career in racing.
Shetland Pony Racing – 17 August
The National Horseracing Museum’s Peter O’Sullevan Arena welcomes a day of Shetland Pony Racing, thanks to JPL Racing and Events, the UK’s largest team of Shetland ponies and jockeys, on Saturday 17 August (10:30am - 3:30pm). A mini-steeplechase course will be placed in the Arena for the Shetland ponies and their young jockeys to fly over in a high-speed blur of colour. Set to be a fun day out for all the family, it will be a great opportunity to meet and greet the ponies, witness some demonstrations, and see the jockeys of the future take to the track and unleash their potential.
Suffolk Punches – 6 October
Visitors are invited to come on Sunday 6 October and enjoy one of two demonstrations of Suffolk Punches, a rare breed of work horse that is considered more endangered than the Giant Panda. On display to onlookers in the Museum’s Peter O’Sullevan Arena will be the sheer strength and beauty of these chestnut-coloured gentle giants, a sight not to be missed, especially for the horse lovers amongst us. The demonstrations, which come courtesy of the Suffolk Horse Society, will take place at 11am and 2:00pm, and include a special opportunity to meet the horses.
TICKET PRICES
Tickets include admission for the National Horseracing Museum: Adult £15; Children under 16 FREE; Local Residents Pass £10; NUS students £8; Armed Forces Covenant and Art Fund Member £7.50. Alternatively, a £5 ticket grants outdoor access only. All events are free to annual pass holders.
Contact the National Horseracing Museum, Palace Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EP on 01638 667314 or visit www.nhrm.co.uk
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