New Legends Of The Turf Inducted In Newmarket

Paving stones bearing the names of the third batch of inductees to Newmarket's Legends Of The Turf project were unveiled on Friday.

Joining the likes of Frankel (GB) and Sir Henry Cecil on the High Street's walk of fame are seven new names, all of whom have played a significant role in the history of racing's headquarters. The equine inductees are the most recent Triple Crown winner to be trained in Newmarket, the Aga Khan's 1935 hero Bahram (GB), and the unbeaten St Simon (GB), whose crowning glory on the racecourse was his 20-length victory in the Ascot Gold Cup of 1884. He went on to become champion sire on nine occasions, with his offspring including the Derby winner Persimmon (GB).

St Simon was trained at Heath House by Mathew Dawson, the pre-eminent trainer of the 19^th century who was also inducted to the Legends of the Turf this year. Both plaques were unveiled by Heath House's current incumbent and longest-serving Newmarket trainer, Sir Mark Prescott.

Five-time champion jockey Doug Smith, rider of Alycidon (GB) and Petite Etoile (GB) among other great horses of the 1950s, was also honoured, as well as fellow champion jockey Steve Cauthen, whose move from America was well rewarded through his successful partnership with Henry Cecil, for whom he rode Fillies' Triple Crown winner Oh So Sharp (GB) and Derby winners Slip Anchor (GB) and Reference Point (GB). Alfie Westwood, another former jockey and beloved Newmarket figure through his many years as a guide at the National Horseracing Museum until his death last year, was also inducted.

Completing the septet in Newmarket's 350^th anniversary year is King Charles II, the monarch credited with ensuring the town would be famed for its links to horseracing through his great love of the sport. His former palace and racing stable have recently been restored and reopened as the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing in the centre of Newmarket.

Legends Of The Turf was started in 2014 and has received sponsorship from a number of local organisations, including Suffolk County Council, Forest Heath District Council, Newmarket Town Council, the Jockey Club and Newmarket Racecourses.