Four historic Epsom Derby winners’ graves have been restored to their original glory as part of a major restoration of Durdans Stables ahead of four English Heritage open days.
Amato, winner in 1838, Ladas, winner in 1894, Sir Visto, in 1895, and Cicero, 1905, are all buried in Grade II listed graves on the grounds of the picturesque stables in Chalk Lane.
The latter three were owned by Lord Rosebery, for whom the stables were built when he was the MP for Epsom in the late 19th century.
Durdans Stables owner Philip Buckman said: "Seeing the grounds restored has been amazing. It’s a historic site and even if you’re not a horseracing fan it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event."
Mr Buckman’s family received a grant from English Heritage to undertake the renovation - which has taken five years - in exchange for hosting a series of English Heritage open days for the next ten years.
The restoration cost several hundred thousands pounds.
The stables in its heyday
The stables, which currently house 60 horses, was in a ‘sad state of repair’ when Mr Buckman and his family took over in 2010, and the restoration was vital to making it a viable business again.
He said: "We’ve put a lot of money into this - nearly all our savings - but it really has been a labour of love.
"Getting the graves of these four great horses repaired really was the last piece of the jigsaw."
Also restored have been the indoor sand school, above, the two stable blocks and the iron entrance gates, each listed at Grade II.
The result has been the stables now look as they did in their late-19th century pomp.
During the open days between Thursday, September 10 and Sunday, September 13, the stables will be open to the public, and the stables and graves can be visited between 9am and 1pm each day.
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