Horses rescues as bailiffs close stud

The owner of an animal sanctuary is appealing for donations to help keep 23 thoroughbred horses rescued from a stud near Newmarket.

The mares – some of which are pregnant – and foals, were taken to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary at Frettenham, near Norwich, earlier this month after it was contacted by the owner of the Blandford Lodge stud at Six Mile Bottom who was evicted when bailiffs moved in.

Wendy Valentine, who runs the sanctuary whose patron is actor Martin Shaw, said: “We received an urgent and desperate plea to help 23 thoroughbreds after bailiffs had moved in to foreclose on a failing Newmarket stud.”

She said the call had come from the stud owner Rupert Chennells.

“Basically we got a call on a Sunday saying the horses had to be removed by Monday,” said Wendy.

“We brought all the horses, including some elderly mares, back to the safety of the sanctuary.

“As our driver left with the last of the horses, the bailiff explained that we had rescued them just in time as they had them booked in to be destroyed at 11am the next day.

“Mr Chennells had done his best but he had nowhere else to turn and we were happy to help. All the horses were in reasonably good condition, they were all micro-chipped and all their passports were in order.

“They will now remain in quarantine with us for at least six weeks before try to find them suitable new homes.”

Mr Chennells said he had run the stud since 2005.

“I was given minimal notice of what was going to happen and my concern was making sure the horses were safe,” he said.

Anyone who can help with donations can ring the sanctuary on 01603 736200.