Family Fun Takes the Reins at 2025 Lambourn Open Day
Good Friday, 18 April 2025 – A jam-packed day of racing legends, hilarious races, and family entertainment in the Valley of the Racehorse.
There’s something rather special happening in Lambourn this Good Friday, 18 April. The 2025 Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day is back—and it’s shaping up to be an absolute cracker for families and racing fans alike.
Whether you’re mad about horses or just fancy a day out with the kids, Lambourn is the place to be. It all kicks off from 9am, when 21 of the valley’s top racing yards throw open their doors. That means a rare chance to go behind the scenes and meet equine royalty up close—think Cheltenham champions and household names.
At Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard, for instance, you’ll be able to see living legends Altior and Sprinter Sacre, reunited with the likes of Jonbon and Constitution Hill. “It’s a special day,” said Henderson, “and it’s brilliant to have Sprinter and Altior back!” And he’s not wrong—it’s not every day you can bring the kids to see some of the most celebrated horses of recent times in the flesh.
But the morning is just the beginning – from 1pm, the main arena springs into action with a full-on programme of fun, games, and spectacles. Top of the bill is the Windsor Clive International Parade of Equine Heroes, where famous horses like Gold Cup winner Coneygree and the underdog-turned-star Hunt Ball take a well-earned bow.
And then there’s the wonderfully silly Sports4Causes Space Hopper Race. Twelve brave racing personalities—including Jamie Snowden, Tom Ward, and A.P. McCoy—will be bouncing their way to glory (and likely a few tumbles) on oversized space hoppers. It’s as daft as it sounds and a big favourite with the kids.
If that’s not enough, there’s also:
- Celebrity Show Jumping, with big names like Nico de Boinville and James Bowen in the saddle
- Schooling Over Fences with A.P. McCoy and Nico de Boinville showing off their skills
- The Shetland Pony Grand National – small ponies, big drama!
- The Farrier Display, where you can see the age-old skill of horseshoeing in action
- All-Steps Formation Riding, a beautiful display of teamwork on horseback
- The Dog Show – bring your four-legged friend and join in the fun (on leads, please)
There’s plenty to keep all ages entertained, from toddlers to teens (and their grandparents). Food stalls, craft stands, pony rides, and games all help make it a proper day out.
And if you’re feeling lucky, the Silent Auction is well worth a look—there are 39 fantastic prizes up for grabs, including exclusive racing experiences and a posh “Taste of Scotland” lunch in London. All the details are on the official website.
Mark Smyly, Chairman of the event, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome people back to Lambourn after a break last year. This looks to be one of the best events we’ve ever had.”
Best of all, it’s all for a good cause. Proceeds support local charities including the Lambourn Valley Housing Trust and the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
Key Details:
- Morning Yard Visits: 9am–1pm
- Arena Events: From 1pm onwards
- Tickets: £15 per person (under-12s go FREE); afternoon-only £10
- Programme Book: £5
- Free parking & dogs welcome (on leads)
- Tickets & more info: www.lambournopenday.com
So pop it in the diary, pack up the kids and the dog, and come along for a brilliant day out in the heart of racing country. You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer—and you might even come away with a few new favourites.
