Has anyone been there? We are going the end of March and I would really love to photograph some of the gallops, which I understand are there. Any advice welcome!
The gallops at Lambourn are owned by the Jockey Club (the original version). It would be best to contact them to see what the exact rules are. I would think that general public access is discouraged (from a simple safety standpoint), but being a photographer you might be able to wrangle some kind of exemption.
There is some public viewing from the road, but it would depend on what horses were working on what gallops as to how much you would see.
The other option is to contact one of the trainers stabled at Lambourn (the stables are privately owned by each trainer) and see if you can tag along when a string goes out. Though that’s probably a longshot, but who knows.
Then there is also this kind of option… http://www.cdhorseracingtours.com/toursnew.asp?id=165
http://www.charliemannracing.com/stable_tours.html
Cost the bones of $125, but sounds like it would be both fun and informative.
Here’s an informative piece about lambourn done by AtTheRaces…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzvKQ27r6J4
I visited Lambourn quite few times in the early 80’s to mid 90’s and loved the place. Found everybody to be quite accommodating. But I did know a few of the trainers there at the time. Do some research on the trainers there and send them an email about your plans and ask if it would be possible to come by the their yard and perhaps tag along to the gallops to watch some train. I would be very surprise if they weren’t generous with their time. If you want the “royal tour” just make out like you are an American owner just getting into the sport and thinking keeping some horses in training in England because your business take you there quite a bit.
You guys are great! I didn’t realize they were quite so private, contacting a friend now, who has a friend… thanks!
I worked for a trainer briefly in the 70’s. As you’ve seen the topography of Lambourn is much different than Newmarket, with the gallops being mostly along the tops of the hills making them much less accessible to spectators. Still it’s a pretty town; I suppose they’re still hacking strings along the roads to whichever gallops they use? For sheer entertainment contact Jamie Osborne. He’s married to an artist. I used to “spot” for a bloodstock agent when we bought yearlings for Jamie a number of years ago - he’s a scream.
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I worked for a trainer briefly in the 70’s. As you’ve seen the topography of Lambourn is much different than Newmarket, with the gallops being mostly along the tops of the hills making them much less accessible to spectators. Still it’s a pretty town; I suppose they’re still hacking strings along the roads to whichever gallops they use? For sheer entertainment contact Jamie Osborne. He’s married to an artist. I used to “spot” for a bloodstock agent when we bought yearlings for Jamie a number of years ago - he’s a scream.[/QUOTE]
How cool, that’s the ‘friend’! Thanks!
You’re in luck depending on when exactly you’ll be there as their annual open house is also at the end of March.
2013 Betfair Lambourn Open Day
Good Friday 2013
The open day is a unique opportunity to see the horses in the training establishments throughout the Lambourn Valley. Last year over 30 trainers opened their yards to the public and over 10,000 people took the opportunity to meet the horses, the trainers and to really see first hand the Lambourn racing industry. Many yards have special exhibits and some demonstrations including horses using hydrotherapy pools. Kingwood Stud opened its doors and thousands of visitors enjoyed learning about horse breeding at one of the countries top establishments.
In the afternoon the massive events field with its central arena opens with a full programme of equine and country related shows and demonstrations of country skills. Trade stands offer all manner of goods and services generally connected to country pursuits.
Good Friday is March 29, 2013.
Link to 2013 Open Day Programme
Prices remain unchanged again: £12 per adult
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You’re in luck depending on when exactly you’ll be there as their annual open house is also at the end of March.
2013 Betfair Lambourn Open Day
Good Friday is March 29, 2013.
Link to 2013 Open Day Programme
Prices remain unchanged again: £12 per adult[/QUOTE]
Thanks GG, we’re there the weekend before.
There are many rights of way that cross downs so you can see the horses in training just by taking a walk along a bridleway or footpath, marked as such on the map. However, more fun if you ask a trainer. Trainers tend to be good with people are are often larger than life characters.
Thanks, have been in contact with Jamie Osborne, going next week, I hope it quits snowing over there!
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Thanks GG, we’re there the weekend before.[/QUOTE]
Not to rub it in but that’s a bummer. The Open Day looks like a great event
Kauto Star, who won the Cheltenham Gold Cup twice as well as numerous other prestigious races, will be paraded during the afternoon of the open day, which takes place on Good Friday.
Another highlight of the day is a performance by The Household Cavalry with their Musical Ride. This unique equine display has been performing in Britain and abroad since 1882 and continues to wow the crowds with the soldiers dynamic display of horsemanship.
Soldiers from the Household Cavalry will also show off their jumping skills when they take on top jockeys, including AP McCoy and John Francome, in an exciting Show Jumping competition against the clock.
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Not to rub it in but that’s a bummer. The Open Day looks like a great event[/QUOTE]
Haha, thanks for not rubbing it in!
Well, that didn’t work out AT all as that was the day the snow hit. :(.
This promo video was just uploaded July 10, 2013
