22–31 August 2026
National Racehorse Week gives the public an opportunity to step behind the scenes of British racing and discover something racegoers do not always see: the extraordinary level of care, expertise and commitment surrounding the Thoroughbred.
Training yards, studs, retraining operations and aftercare centres across Britain open their doors, allowing visitors to meet racehorses and the people responsible for their care.
Building understanding
British racing increasingly needs to demonstrate how racehorses are cared for — during training, throughout their racing careers and after they leave the racecourse.
National Racehorse Week provides racing with an opportunity to do exactly that. Visitors can learn about fitness and training, veterinary care, farriery, nutrition, stable management and the periods of rest that form part of a racehorse’s routine.
They can also discover what happens after racing. Former racehorses can go on to new careers in a wide range of equestrian disciplines and recreational roles.
Investment in racing’s relationship with the public
National Racehorse Week has received support from the Horserace Betting Levy Board since its launch in 2021. HBLB reported in 2026 that the initiative had created more than 65,000 free opportunities for members of the public to engage directly with racehorses.
That makes the week more than a promotional campaign. It is part of racing’s investment in public understanding, welfare communication and the sport’s relationship with wider society.
The Thoroughbred.Global view
For Thoroughbred.Global, National Racehorse Week represents something particularly important: the racehorse should remain at the centre of racing’s story.
Behind every horse is an interconnected industry of trainers, breeders, owners, stable staff, veterinarians, farriers, racecourses, regulators, retraining specialists and many others.
During National Racehorse Week, Thoroughbred.Global will explore some of those connections — and examine what they can teach us about the future of the Thoroughbred industry.
Thoroughbred.Global — Connecting the world of the Thoroughbred.
Sources / further reading:
National Racehorse Week
Horserace Betting Levy Board