Easy rider

7:00pm Tuesday 2nd December 2008

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A HORSE descended from a renowned Epsom Derby winner is enjoying a slower pace of life after finding a retirement home in Purbeck.

Harvey, a gelding born in 1985, is an ex-racehorse himself, competing under the name of Chaliand.

He is the grandson of the French thoroughbred racehorse Relko, who took victory in the 1963 Epsom Derby and a host of other races in England and France, posting nine wins from 13 starts.

His galloping days now over, Harvey, who was trained at Whitcombe near Dorchester but later had to retire due to a shoulder injury, will spend his twilight years at Margaret Green Animal Rescue in Church Knowle.

Marketing manager Donna White said: “He has come to us due to a family bereavement and will be staying at the sanctuary to retire, where he is happily grazing and has already found a great companion, Elegance.”

The centre relies on sponsorship and donations to keep animals like Harvey in good care.

Someone looking for a Christmas present with a difference can keep Harvey in a comfortable retirement for less than £1 a week and receive a newsletter, certificate, toy key ring, car sticker and pen.

If you are interested, call 01929 480474 or visit margaretgreenanimalrescue.org.uk Harvey’s more famous ancestor was retired in 1965 to stand stud in England, but his descendants have failed to match his prolific winning record.

His daughter, My Sierra Leone, produced the champion filly Royal Heroine, who won the inaugural running of the Breeders’ Cup Mile in the USA in a record time.