Racing stars in county field
To the casual observer, they may look like ordinary horses. But the thoroughbreds make up Shropshire's field of equine stars. To the casual observer, they may look like ordinary horses. But the thoroughbreds make up Shropshire's field of equine stars. Thanks to them, the county's top racehorse owner, John Hales, has experienced the magical feeling of winning the Cheltenham Festival. But the horses will be missing from this year's spectacular, which starts on Tuesday, being far from the thousands at Prestbury Park - in a field at a farm on the outskirts of Telford. For the farm is currently the base of Azertyuiop and Noland, who have carried the famous yellow and red silks of Mr Hales to victory at the festival, and Neptune Collonges, who was an excellent third in the 2008 Gold Cup. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star.
Thanks to them, the county's top racehorse owner, John Hales, has experienced the magical feeling of winning the Cheltenham Festival.
But the horses will be missing from this year's spectacular, which starts on Tuesday, being far from the thousands at Prestbury Park - in a field at a farm on the outskirts of Telford.
For the farm is currently the base of Azertyuiop and Noland, who have carried the famous yellow and red silks of Mr Hales to victory at the festival, and Neptune Collonges, who was an excellent third in the 2008 Gold Cup.
Age has caught up with Azertyuiop - he's now 13 - and he is now spending his retirement years in Shropshire. But Noland and Neptune Collonges are both set to return to the Somerset stables of champion trainer Paul Nicholls this year to prepare for their return to racing.
"The three horses have all been exceptional," said Lisa Hales, daughter of Cosford-based John.
"They are great horses and to have that much talent in one field in Shropshire is fantastic."
About 230,000 spectators are expected over the four days at the festival.