HORSE lovers took the chance to go behind the scenes of a Grand National-winning race yard last week, when it held its first ever open day.

The event at 2009 National-winning trainer Venetia Williams’ Aramstone Stables, in King’s Caple near Rossâ??on-Wye, was part of National Racehorse Week.

Fellow trainer Tom Symonds, one of the youngest in the business, also opened his Hentland yard to visitors as part of the initiative, offering people a rare glimpse of life behind the stable door.

Venetia has trained winners, including 2009 National winner Mon Mome, for 25 years at Aramstone, which was her grandmother’s home.

Visitors to the open day on September 12 saw many of their well-known horses, and all the training facilities, including the equine swimming pool, schooling grounds and the gallops.

She posted a photo of her charge Ibleo and joked: "Great to welcome so many people to our Open Day yesterday in support of #nationalracehorseweek.

"Ibleo here reckoned he’s seen less people at a Cheltenham Festival..!

"Grateful thanks to the staff for their huge effort to showcase Aramstone at its best, and to graciously host so many enthusiastic visitors."

Barbara Mckenna replied: "Thank you Venetia Williams for a fabulous morning. I am not going to wash my hands and face ever again lol

"I was kissed by so many horses. It was so interesting and informative."

Asked why Herefordshire is such a great place to train race horses, she said: "Accessibility, the gradients of land and sandstone soil for turning the horses out."

Tom Symonds, whose yard is at Dason Court, posted after his September 16 open day: "A great morning. Thank you to everyone.

"Those that attended, helped, advised, planned #nationalracehorseweek a great initiative."