Photo by Lee McLean PA Media Assignments
LIVERPOOL City centre welcomed some unusual 4-legged visitors over the weekend as racehorses arrived in the heart of the City as part of National Racehorse Week.
Members of the public had the opportunity to get up close to racing’s equine athletes at a special ‘pop-up racing yard’ on Thomas Steers Way at Liverpool ONE, with some visitors meeting a horse for the very 1st time.
The event was organised by Great British Racing as part of National Racehorse Week, which is taking place from:- 22 August to 31 August 2026 across England, Scotland and Wales.
Visitors in Liverpool were introduced to 2 former racehorses, Reignman and Golden Move.
Reignman was previously trained by David Loughnane and is now owned by Becky Eardly in his retirement. Golden Move was formerly in training with Christopher Kellett and is now retired and owned by Stu Walsh.
There was plenty for visitors to see and try throughout the event, including farrier and physiotherapy demonstrations, with experts on hand to answer questions about caring for equine athletes.
People could also discover what it feels like to ride like a jockey with guidance from Racing to School, climbing aboard a mechanical horse while using virtual reality headsets.
There was also an opportunity to explore a racehorse’s wardrobe.
Farrier Sam Dracott, who gave demonstrations during the Liverpool event, said:- “The City pop-ups are a great way to get new people into racing and National Racehorse Week is something I am proud to be a part of. Today in Liverpool we did a live shoeing demonstration for the public and everybody was keen to get stuck in, the crowds were amazing.It is such an important week for the sport, and I am so proud to be a part of something that showcases the equine stars. The horses are what makes this sport special, so to take this time to show our appreciation is so important.”
National Racehorse Week aims to bring the sport closer to people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly giving those living in cities the opportunity to meet a horse up close.
Across England, Scotland and Wales, more than 16,000 free places are being offered at over 90 venues, including racing yards, studs and racehorse retraining centres.
On the day of the Liverpool event, 12 events were taking place around the country, with a further 89 public open days and City events scheduled by:- 31 August 2026.
More than 40 additional community events are also taking place as part of the initiative, involving youth groups, charities and schools.
The ‘racing pop-up’ will also visit St James’s Churchyard, Piccadilly in London on:- 26 August 2026 and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth on:- 29 August 2026.