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The Duffields fly the flag for Middleham Stables Open Day

A leading North Yorkshire racehorse trainer kept an Easter tradition alive on Good Friday - and helped raise money for a cancer charity at the same time.

The annual Middleham Stables Open Day was cancelled this year because of fears about the weather.

However, Ann Duffield, who trains at Constable Burton, near Leyburn, was determined to keep the tradition going and opened her Sun Hill stables as normal, with hundreds of enthusiasts turning up.

Ann said: “We didn’t know what to expect with the other yards not opening but we were determined to open as usual and we were delighted with the turnout. The weather was glorious.”

She explained: “It was a tremendous shame that the Open Day cancelled, because it is one of the most popular events in the northern racing calendar and has become something of a tradition.

“This year quite a few people came to Middleham anyway. We were here at Sun Hill to welcome them – and made sure their day out wasn’t wasted.

“We were on hand to help and to advise anyone interested in owning racehorses. Over the years we have been lucky enough to attract many new owners thanks to the Middleham Open Day. Once again our successful syndicates were here on Good Friday,” said Ann.

The event was also used to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, with Christine Swiers fundraising ahead of riding in a special race in aid of Macmillan at York Races on June 11.

Mrs Swiers was one of 12 amateur riders chosen to take part in a charity race. Each rider has to raise a minimum of £3,000 but Mrs Swiers has already raised £7,700 and she made an extra £1,000-plus today through donations and a cake and butty stall.

Mrs Swiers will be raising more cash at a wine-tasting and auction at The Friar’s Head, Akebar, at 7pm on April 27. Tickets are £25, to include a drink on arrival, tasting wines and supper. To book, call Mrs Swiers on 07776 425300 or email christineswiers1@gmail.com She is also staging a fundraising fashion show at Millbry Hill, Richmond, at 7pm on May 25.

The Duffields’ special Open Day came in the wake of the best-ever season they have enjoyed with their two-year-olds.

“We had a tremendous year last year, with 21 two-year-old winners and some smart performances with our older horses too with stable favourite George Dryden winning impressively at York. We have also retained several of our two-year-old stars for this year’s campaign.

She added: “The past few seasons have seen our small yard grow in size and quality, with our facilities also improving year on year and now including a super water treadmill. We are very hopeful that the coming season will be our best yet – and our Open Day showcased the talent we have.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .