Burglary at museum
RAIDERS snatched 10 historic trophies from a Newmarket racing museum in the middle of the night.
The items stolen from the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art date back to the 1800s.
A £50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to arrests in the case.
The trophies taken in the burglary include those for the 1833 and 1838 Lincoln Races, the 1907 Chesterfield Cup, the Ascot Gold Vase, the King George, the King’s Vase and the Santa Barbara. The whereabouts of three Doncaster Cups, from 1906, 1907 and 1922, is also unknown.
Insurance company Fine Art Specie Adjusters said a reward was available from a successful tip-off.
A Suffolk Police spokesman said: “Police carried out an investigation following a burglary during the early hours of May 8 at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket. The investigation has been finalised but will be reopened if any new information comes to light.”
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MOGUL’S odds for tomorrow’s Investec Derby were slashed last night after Ryan Moore chose to partner the colt for Aidan O’brien.
The jockey was spoilt for choice as the Ballydoyle genius saddles six of the 16 declared runners in the Epsom Classic.
Mogul, blatantly needing the outing when fourth at Royal Ascot last month, is now 11-2 from 7-1 with Coral.
Moore, successful twice in the Derby, has picked the wrong O’brien runner in the last three years when the trainer has twice won the race.
Last year he had to settle for fifth place on Sir Dragonet behind his stablemate Anthony Van Dyck.
Three years ago, he finished fourth on Saxon Warrior when Wings Of Eagles took the prize.
Seamie Heffernan, last year’s successful rider and victorious in last Friday’s Irish Derby on Santiago, will partner Russian Emperor for O’brien before riding Order Of Australia in Sunday’s French Derby
Heffernan clearly believes the trip to Epsom is worthwhile as he will face 14 days in quarantine when he returns to Ireland.
Supporters of the favourite English King, the mount of Frankie Dettori, will be hoping the Italian can work his magic from stall one.
Oath was the last Derby winner to take the race from the number one stall in 1999.
Jim Crowley, attempting to improve on his past Derby rides – fourth and seventh – yesterday put this year’s mount Emissary through his paces.
Hugo Palmer, responsible for the colt who will be his first runner in the race, said: “Jim said he was a gentleman and a nice balanced Epsom.
“We feel our horse will stay, as well as having the pace he needs to get a good position. We have gone for first-time cheekpieces as he was just a bit babyish at Goodwood.
“The run has brought him on loads, as my horses have been needing their first outing.
“About 10 days ago he went to Sandown with three workmates, he sat last and quickened through them.
“It was good to give him another view of the racecourse before going to the biggest race in the world.”
Andrew Balding, hoping to emulate his father Ian’s success with Mill Reef in 1971, admits Kameko, the 4-1 second favourite, has yet to prove himself over the Derby trip.
“There are obviously the stamina doubts,” he said. “But he’s very relaxed and that’s why we are inclined to give it a go.” horse for