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Racing fans have the chance to meet legendary names and present-day icons as Gordon Elliott throws open the doors to his Cullentra stable this weekend, writes Paul Martin.

Grand National winners Tiger Roll and Silver Birch will both be on parade, along with 2016 Gold Cup hero Don Cossack, while a string of top jockeys will be on hand to take part in question-and-answer sessions.

The scale of operations like Elliott’s has to be seen to be believed and he is looking forward to providing the public with a glimpse into day-to-day life at his Longwood base.

“It’s a good chance for people to come in and have a look around, to get an insight into the yard, to see the gallops and all the horses,” he said.

“We’ll ride out a number of horses, parade a few as well, and have Q&As with the jockeys.

“Davy [Russell] will be there, Jack Kennedy, Sam Ewing, Jordan Gainford, Jamie Codd, I’m sure there will be more too.

“It’s great for young people to meet these jockeys and there will be mechanical horses there for the kids, if they want to use them, so there will be something for everyone. 

“It’s nice to open the doors for the community, local people and maybe those outside racing, people who may not know what happens behind the scenes.

“Our gates are always open for our owners to have a look around but this is a more relaxed day, we’ll have some fun and it’ll be a nice morning.”

A similar event in 2022 attracted large crowds, with visitors of all ages soaking up the chance to see how some of the sport’s most storied names are prepared for action.

Elliott has enjoyed a summer to remember, with Ash Tree Meadow providing him with a record-equalling fourth Galway Plate triumph chief among the highlights as 17-year-old jockey Danny Gilligan claimed a fairytale win at his local track.

The return of Kennedy from the broken leg which ruled him out of the Cheltenham Festival earlier this year has also been a boost ahead of the National Hunt season, which will see Elliott bid to loosen Willie Mullins’ grip on the leading trainer crown.

“We’re up to nearly 70 winners between England and Ireland already and we’re not far off a million in prize money in Ireland,” he said.

“It’s going great and we have the horses coming back in ahead of the winter season. They are all looking well at the moment and we are looking forward to seeing them back on the track.”

To register for attendance at Gordon Elliott’s open morning on September 2, or any of the upcoming trainer open mornings, click here.

It’s nice to open the doors for the community, local people and maybe those outside racing, people who may not know what happens behind the scenes. - Gordon Elliott