Behind the Scenes at National Racehorse Week

Features

Posted on August 7, 2025

Growing up, I rode horses and spent weekends at the stables regularly until I was about 15, but I never knew much about the world of horse racing. So when I had the chance to visit a working racing yard with my mum, Pamela, and my two boys – Isaac (10) and Elijah (8) – I jumped at it.

None of us are seasoned racegoers, but National Racehorse Week (NRW) isn’t just for fans of the sport. It’s for anyone who’s ever been curious about racehorses, and it turns out, it’s brilliant for families, too.

A Warm Welcome at Jess Bedi’s Yard

Our visit began at Hill House Farm near Kirklevington, the home of Jessica Bedi Racing, where Jess and her team train a small string of happy, healthy thoroughbreds. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely at ease. Jess, who is one of Yorkshire’s youngest racehorse trainers, couldn’t have been more welcoming. Warmly greeted by Jess’s mum (the yard is very much a family affair), we were soon touring the yard, learning how every detail is carefully managed for each horse.

As someone who grew up riding on the weekend, I was fascinated by the differences between the world I knew and the world Jess lives in. She explained the specialist tack used in training and racing, from super-light saddles to clever blinkers and reins designed for precision. My boys were wide-eyed, asking questions, soaking it all in and of course, they got to stroke lots of horses. Elijah even tried on a set of brightly coloured jockey silks, looking the part as he posed proudly for photos in the yard!

We walked up to the gallops and watched two gleaming racehorses thunder past us, their hooves kicking up dust as they powered across the Yorkshire countryside. The care and attention that goes into every part of the horses ’training was clear to see and Jess took the time to answer every question from curious little minds (and mine too!).

Although we didn’t catch the farrier demonstration on our visit, many yards do offer these during National Racehorse Week itself, which is a brilliant chance to see what it takes to look after a racehorse’s hooves and health. It’s part of what makes the whole experience feel like a true behind-the-scenes peek into a working world most people never get to see.

An Afternoon of Fun at Thirsk Racecourse

After our morning with Jess, we headed up the road to Thirsk Racecourse for their Summer Family Day, part of the Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival. The atmosphere was buzzing, and we immediately knew we were in for a treat. It was great to get dressed up and enjoy a fabulous day, knowing there’s also lots to keep the kids entertained, too.

Because this wasn’t just a race day – it was a full-blown family festival, with a packed line-up of activities running alongside the racing. There were funfair rides, face painting, a giant inflatable slide, and outdoor laser tag. The best bit? All the rides were free. Isaac and Elijah made a beeline for the inflatable slide, bouncy castle and then had many (many) turns on the epic laser tag game, before we even made it to the hospitality suite to watch the races!

Thirsk makes a real effort to be family-friendly; kids under 18 go free, and there’s a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Between the seven races, we also visited the jockey signing area, and we enjoyed wood-fired pizza from one of the many food trucks before we sat in the sun and watched the horses return to the winners’ enclosure.

Why You Should Visit This Year

What really struck me is how much racing life revolves around the horses; their care, their wellbeing, and the deep relationships they form with the people who look after them. National Racehorse Week brings all of that to the forefront. Whether you’re a lifelong racegoer or – like us – total newcomers, there’s something magical about meeting a racehorse up close and realising just how loved and well looked after they are.

It’s educational, it’s immersive, and it’s free. We had a day full of wonder, discovery and it’s now firmly on our summer must-do list. Whether you’ve got toddlers or teens, or just a personal interest in the sport, National Racehorse Week offers a brilliant opportunity to step inside the world of racing, and then perhaps enjoy a family day at the races like we did. Either way, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for these beautiful animals and the people who work with them every day.

From meeting thoroughbreds to watching them thunder past on the track, our National Racehorse Week preview was an unforgettable summer day out and one I’d wholeheartedly recommend.