Discover Newmarket has been given exclusive access to take a group of visitors, escorted by the Royal Trainer William Haggas, on a tour of a royal yard this May. It is here, in Sommerville Lodge Yard, where HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla have horses in training. Also new for April is the opportunity to watch future equine stars as they are put through their paces prior to being sold at Tattersalls. These two new tours from Discover Newmarket are part of an impressive programme of guided tours and walks, available year-round, that take visitors behind the scenes to learn about the history and heritage of this internationally renowned town – the headquarters of British horseracing.
The Craven Breeze Up TourDiscover Newmarket is introducing the
Craven Breeze Up guided tour (£85pp) on
15 April 2024, a brand new opportunity to watch some future stars of racing as they are put through their paces ahead of the Tattersalls Sale. As part of this tour a bloodstock agent will be accompanying visitors and providing first-hand information about what a prospective buyer is looking for when purchasing a racehorse.
The Craven Breeze Up sale in Newmarket is one of the premier two-year-old sales in Europe and attracts not only some of the top bloodstock but also many Trainers and international buyers. With an early start at 7.45am
, the day will begin with a guided tour of the Newmarket Gallops to witness some of the 3,000 racehorses in training in Newmarket exercising on the famous Newmarket heath. Visitors then head to the Rowley mile where they will see the two-year-olds, due to be sold at Tattersalls Craven sale, breeze over 2 – 3 furlongs in front of trainers and prospective purchasers, while the bloodstock agent explains to those on the tour the complexities of what it takes to prepare these young horses. Then it is off to the famous Tattersalls Sales Paddocks Restaurant for a hearty breakfast and the opportunity to review the videos of the Breeze Up and study the sales catalogue.
The tour concludes at the National Stud where guests can explore this impressive 500-acre stud and learn about the role it plays today. There is also a chance to meet resident stallions, such as Stradivarius, as well as seeing mares and foals.
Price: The Craven Breeze Up Tour on 15 April 2024 from
Discover Newmarket costs from £85pp.
The Royal Yard TourBy kind permission, Royal Trainer William Haggas has given exclusive access to a small group of visitors on Thursday 2 May to go behind the scenes of Sommerville Lodge Yard (£165pp), where HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla have horses in training. William Haggas is one of the most respected Trainers in the headquarters of British racing in Newmarket.
The day begins at 8am with a driving tour, including sights such as some of the hallowed training grounds. The main attraction, Sommerville Lodge is next, where visitors will meet William Haggas, Six Time Classic-winning Trainer. After a personal behind-the-scenes tour, the group heads to the Gallops to watch the horses exercise. Then it’s time to take a break with a brunch at the Bedford Lodge Hotel, followed by a guided tour of the National Stud, including a Stallion Parade. One of the many highlights of the day is seeing the multiple group 1 winning stallion, Stradivarius. The finale is a fascinating visit to the five-acre site of the National Horseracing Museum, to learn about the history of the town and the way in which Royalty has played its part in horseracing over the centuries. The day concludes with a delicious cream tea at the Tack Room, the Museum’s on-site café.
Price: Royal Yard Tour on 2 May 2024 from
Discover Newmarket costs £165pp.
