ITV Racing presenter Chris Hughes has called for horse racing opposers to go along to National Racehorse Week to help "educate themselves" about the sport.
ITV Racing co-host Chris Hughes has called for those who have spoken up against horse racing to go along to National Racehorse Week in September to 'educate' themselves about the sport
The former 'Love Island' star, who has co-hosted ITV's racing coverage since 2019, is working alongside Great British Racing to promote this year's National Racehorse Week, during which racehorse training yards, studs and retraining centres open their doors to the public to give them behind-the-scenes access to the sport.
Animal activist movement Animal Rising were allocated a space by the Jockey Club to protest at the Epsom Derby Festival this June, but an Animal Rising activist ran onto the track during the Epsom Derby, and was arrested.
Chris believes initiatives such as National Racehorse Week could help people to learn more about racing, but admits there are some who simply "don't want to learn".
When asked about his recent Twitter debate with former 'Made in Chelsea' star Lucy Watson, who has called for horse racing to be banned, he exclusively told BANG Showbiz: "You can see how well received horse racing is in aspects like that from other people's comments on that situation.
"I'm educated on the sport, I've grown up with horses and racehorses from being 10 years old, so I know about the care and what goes on.
"But I know for sure that certain other people who have opinions on it have no idea.
"Not everybody wants to educate themselves. They don't want to learn. That's one of the issues with the generation really.
"But this is what National Racehorse Week is there for, and hopefully it will have a positive impact on many people.
"It's inclusive to everybody. It's there for people who just want to experience something they're not educated on, and they haven't seen before.
"It's not something we would turn anybody away from. It's a matter of hoping that people want to educate themselves on the situation and come down and see for themselves."
Chris has encouraged people to come and see for themselves what horse racing is all about, admitting it will be a "huge eye-opener" for some.
He added: "It's an opportunity to educate people and for people to see horseracing from a different light and show what goes on behind the scenes and show how well looked after these animals are.
"It's going to be hugely educational for a lot of people, as well as insightful.
"It's a huge eye-opener, you can see about the high levels of care. It's all about celebrating the racehorse, because without the racehorse there is no horse racing.
"It's such a great week of the year. Obviously, we, as horse lovers and horse racing fans can showcase the greatness in the sport.
"I haven't picked which ones I'm going to yet, but I'll be heading down to a few definitely.
"I'll be making an appearance somewhere, so they better get booking their free tickets."
From 9-17 September 2023, in an experience like no other, over 130 events across the country, including training yards, studs and retraining centres, will open their doors to the public to show what life as a racehorse is really like. Places are mostly free and you can book your tickets to attend at nationalracehorseweek.uk.