National Racehorse Week 2026: Gunwharf shoppers to get chance to see equine athletes up close at special pop up event

Gunwharf will play host to a unique racing yard this month in celebration of National Racehorse Week.

Shoppers will be able to get up close to racing equine athletes at a pop up ‘urban racing yard’ on Saturday, August 29 between 11am and 6pm. The event run by Great British Racing will give people the chance to learn about racing, especially for families that may have never visited a racecourse before.

Sign up for our free newsletters and let the headlines come straight to you

Situated on the Waterfront, the pop-up will provide the opportunity to:

• Meet racehorses
• Experience riding like a jockey, with tips from Racing to School and some of Britain’s best-known jockeys.
• Witness farrier and physio demonstrations and ask the experts questions about caring for equine athletes
• Explore a racehorse’s wardrobe

A Great British Racing spokesperson said: “Throughout the week, the sport aims to bring racing closer to people of all ages and backgrounds, giving those, particularly in city locations, the chance to get up close with a horse, some for the very first time.

“The nationwide event offers families a chance to enjoy a free and memorable day out. Visitors are welcomed into the homes of racehorses to see them relaxing in their stables or fields, training on the gallops, and enjoying a post-work wash or even swim.”

For more details on the pop-up event in Portsmouth visit: https://nationalracehorseweek.uk/yard/portsmouth-pop-up/