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Trainer Louise Lyons is looking forward to giving people a behind-the-scenes look around her yard for the very first time as she hosts her maiden open morning on September 18, writes Jack Lacey-Hatton.

The Bluegate Stud handler is something of an equine all-rounder, having previously been an Olympic level eventer, representing Ireland at Beijing in 2008, as well as a qualified eventing instructor before becoming a successful trainer.

Her practical style of training will be on display for those attending during the three-hour session (11am-2pm) with Lyons offering a unique insight into what she looks for from yearlings.

“As a trainer, I’m quite hands on and actually ride a few of the horses,” she explained.

 

“I guess that’s where ours might be slightly different to some of the others, I like to show the way I like the horses to go.

“I try and get them all in a nice outline working correctly and will show how I do that.

“We’ll be showing a lot of the grid work and pole work. At the moment with a lot of ours, we are just working on getting them confidence up.

“It’ll be nice to show the public the set-up, the facilities and the horses we have coming through because that is what everyone wants to see.”

Lyons’ yard has grown throughout the last 12 months, after the success she had with Espion Du Chenet following his return from France.

The much loved eight-year-old secured a superb victory at Punchestown earlier this year and has proven a consistent performer for the Bluegate team.

Lyons confirmed those heading over to Kilmanagh for the morning will be able to see him in action first hand.

“Espion Du Chenet is back in work now,” she added. “He had a bit of an extended holiday but is back in work now and looking great.

“So everyone who comes down will be able to see him and Lady Rita, who has also been a great horse for us, will be there.

“In the last month or so the older horses needed a break and the younger horses weren’t ready but now we’re ready to move into a busy period, and the open morning will kickstart things.”

The event comes during a strong year so far for Bluegate Stud yard, who have expanded their operation.

Helped by the success of Espion Du Chenet, Lyons and the team enjoy a growing reputation within the racing fraternity.

“It’s been a really positive 2022 so far and it’ll be great to share with that the public,” she added.

“We’ve actually got about 18 now in the yard, so we’ve got bigger over the last 12 months, more people have sent us horses, new owners who we are working with which has been nice.

“We expanded facilities a couple of years ago during the pandemic, putting in a nice gallop and have taken it from there.”

To sign up for Louise Lyons’ open morning, click here.