Plans for a retirement home for racehorses at Cheltenham are underway thanks to donation from owner of Mill Reef
The British Horseracing Board are in talks with Cheltenham following a donation of £346,000 for the project given by the late Paul Mellon, the American owner whose mighty Mill Reef won the 1971 Derby.
The site at Prestbury Park is one of three locations proposed by the BHB. The Cheltenham centre plans to include stables, indoor and outdoor training schools, as well as a cross-country course.
A spokesman for the BHB said that Cheltenham is the preferred site at this early stage, although a study needs to be carried out.
Edward Gillespie, managing director of Cheltenham, said the proposed centre would fit in well with the facilities his course already provides for the welfare of the horse.
