THE focus of the racing world shifts from courses to horses today as the Sport of Kings opens its doors to the public.

Stables around Middleham, in North Yorkshire, missed out on their annual open event last year when foot-and-mouth disease swept through the area.

However, the market town, in the heart of Wensleydale, will be making up for lost time this morning.

More racing stables than ever have joined a programme which the Dales community is hoping will prove to be a harbinger of better times to come.

"This is certainly the biggest open event we have staged, and there are certainly more horses than ever taking part," said spokeswoman Marcia Kennedy.

"Advance ticket sales have been very encouraging, so the early signs are that we are in for a busy day."

New this year are Karl Burke's stables, at Spigot Lodge, which opened following the relocation 60 horses and 20 staff from Newmarket, in Suffolk.

Kate Walton, the daughter of famous trainer Sam Hall, can also boast a full trainer's licence herself and will welcome visitors to Sharp Hill Farm for the first time this year.

Jedd O'Keeffe, at Brecongill, and Andy Crook, at Oakwood, are also new to the programme - bringing the total of stables to 16 and confirming the event's importance on the racing calendar.

Special guests this year include last year's Grand National winner Red Marauder, which will be at George Moore's Warwick Lodge Stables between 9.30am and 2pm.

Jockey Adrian Maguire, who last November became only the seventh to ride 1,000 winners in Britain, will be answering questions and signing autographs at Patrick Haslam's Manor House Stables.

World-renowned sculptor Judy Boyt, a British Sporting Art Trust Award winner, will be exhibiting her work at James Bethell's Tupgill Stables, while other attractions include a country fair, a market, a farrier's workshop and an exhibition of equestrian art by local man, John Atkins.

Admission fees are £5 at the gate, with children under 12 admitted free.

Most of the stables will open at 9.30am and close at 1pm. However, Oakwood, Glasgow House, Warwick Lodge and Sharp Hill plan to remain open until 2pm, while George and Ann Duffield's yard at Sun Hill Farm, Constable Burton, plans to open its gates at 12.30pm but keep them open until 4pm.