Epsom’s equestrians are urging people to attend a meeting next week when councillors will discuss the future of a historic horse training yard.
Caroline Baldock, chairwoman of the Epsom Equestrian Conservation Group, hopes for a good attendance at Epsom and Ewell town hall next Tuesday, September 25, when the council’s strategy and resources committee will meet and decide on the future of Downs House.
Horses have been trained at the council-owned yard, once home to Eclipse - a thoroughbred from whom 95 per cent of today’s bloodstock is descended, by the Mitchell family for the last 48 years.
But, following the eviction by the council of Philip Mitchell, the yard’s last trainer, in July, Downs House is now unoccupied.
Ms Baldock said: "Epsom’s heritage is under threat. Downs House is a famous racing establishment and includes the Eclipse Barn, a listed building.
"Eclipse was the ancestor of all modern thoroughbreds.
"Please attend the meeting - we need your support."
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 25, at Epsom and Ewell town hall, at 7.30pm.
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