Harvey is grandson of Derby winner

11:50am Wednesday 3rd December 2008

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THE offspring of a Derby-winning racehorse is being cared for at a Dorset animal care centre.

Harvey, a 23-year-old chestnut gelding, was trained at Whitcombe, near Dorchester, but retired from racing after sustaining a shoulder injury.

The 16 hands-high horse will now see out his days in the care of staff at the Margaret Green Animal Rescue Centre at Church Knowle near Wareham.

Harvey’s grand-sire was Relko, the three-year-old colt which won the 1963 Epsom Derby.

The rescue centre’s land manager, Alistair Beardmore, said: “Harvey had sustained a shoulder injury, so he couldn’t race any more, but he could still be ridden.

“He’s the first horse we’ve had at the centre with this kind of bloodline and we didn’t know about his background until he arrived.

“This was basically a rescue, due to the circumstances of the family that owned him.

“The care centre’s trustees gave us the go-ahead to get him.”

A spokesman for the rescue centre said Harvey raced under the name Chaliand and came to the centre due to a family bereavement.

He added that Harvey has already found a companion, a mare named Elegance, since arriving at the centre.

The spokesman added that the centre relies on sponsorship and donations to keep operating and that people can sponsor Harvey for less than £1 a week.

Anyone wishing to support the centre should call 01929 480474 or visit the website at www. margaretgreenanimalrescue. org.uk