MORE than 7,500 people flocked to Middleham for the annual racing stables open day on Good Friday.

Organisers estimate visitor numbers were six per cent up on last year's record turn-out.

"People made a day out from places as far away as Liverpool and Dundee," said organiser Marcia Kennedy. "Farthest traveller award goes to a visitor from Brisbane, Australia - although he wasn't just on a day out!"

A lot of interest was shown in buying into racehorse syndicates and people welcomed the chance to find out more about what happens behind the scenes at some of the north's top racing yards.

Profits from the day, which are still being counted, go to charities, including the Stable Jockeys Welfare Fund and Middleham Key Centre. Last year's event netted £20,000 for good causes.

Organisers hope visitors to next year's event will be able to visit both equine pools.

The pool leased by trainer Ferdie Murphy remained closed because of concerns over public safety.

Building work connected to the adjacent veterinary practice meant providing safe public viewing was difficult.

The trustees of Middleham Key Centre, who organise the open day alongside the Middleham Trainers' Association, said the pool was a key attraction and should be open to visitors each Good Friday.

Mr Murphy leases the pool from Middleham Key Partnership Trading and it is available to all trainers in the area. He is no longer an MTA member and transport was not provided to his yard at West Witton as part of the open day.

A spokeswoman for the trustees said: "Recently some construction work has taken place at the pool to create facilities for the veterinary practice and there were some concerns about accommodating the viewing public in safety. Under the circumstances, the trustees had some sympathy for Mr Murphy's reluctance to open the pool.

"There is now a 12-month period during which the safety issues can be addressed to ensure that the pool is open next year."

Visitors were able to see horses swimming at an equine pool at Mark Johnston's Kingsley House yard in the centre of Middleham.

Marcia Kennedy said: "One or two people who particularly wanted to see horses swimming commented to me that the pool wasn't open. When I told them Mark Johnston's pool was open they were more than happy."