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Anthony McCann is hoping his open morning marks the start of a strong autumn with several of his yard in good form ahead of a busy period, writes Jack Lacey-Hatton.

The all-weather specialist will be the latest trainer to host a meet and greet with the racing public, taking place on the morning of October 9.

Racing fans, both new and old, will have the chance to go behind the scenes at the stunning Castleblaney facilities, in the final open morning of the 2022 series.

McCann regularly has a decent book of horses on the go but is particularly hopeful of mounting a successful winter campaign.

“We’ve got one or two in running this weekend,” he said. “Just to give them the finishing touches ahead of the hurdling season and the winter campaign.

“Rockstown Girl, for example, is having a run-out on Friday at Gowran Park for a listed race. She’s one who’s looking in really good shape.

“Ragtime Red got the win at Dundalk and although he had a tougher time on his last outing he will bounce back again and will probably have some runs around Christmas time.

“So it’s a good time of year to get some people down. Some that visit always learn that it isn’t just a case of turning up on a raceday and hoping for the best, it is what goes on behind the scenes. 

“Even if things don’t work out you on the raceday, it doesn’t mean as a yard you haven’t put the same amount of effort into it. Whether you have a faller or a horse that finishes down the field.

“I’d really like to show the entire yard and how the same amount of work goes into the average horse as with a good horse.”

First taking over from the legendary, much-missed Monaghan trainer Oliver Brady back in 2014, McCann has continued to build the operation year-on-year. 

His most successful horse in the years since has undoubtedly been Togoville, the most prolific winner in Irish all-weather racing history. 

Connections called time on the popular grey’s racing career last year after he earned over €205,000 in prize money, his final win coming at Dundalk in February.

“He (Togoville) is great, he is enjoying his retirement,” said McCann. “It’s certainly well-earned. 

“He’s down with Patrick McCann (owner) these days in Armagh. Patrick has a few two and three-year-olds and he’s sort of the boss and looking after them, that’s his job now.”

Togoville may have been the crown jewel in recent years, but McCann is never far from his next potential star thanks to the slick operation at County Monaghan.

And those attending McCann’s morning can expect a warm welcome at Castleblaney.

“We really want to get as many down as possible,” he added. “It’ll be the normal schedule of horses riding out, some horses schooling.

“We’ll showcase the horse spa as well and people will be able to really explore all the facilities.”

To register your place at Anthony McCann's open morning, click here.