Nick Timothy — the MP for West Suffolk — welcomed the chance to see progress on work to restore Freemason Lodge Stables to its former glory during a visit on Friday 2 May.
The historic stables are now owned and run by Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing and are the base of trainer Raphael Freire.
There were previously the property of Sir Michael Stoute — ten-time British flat racing Champion Trainer.
The building, located just off Bury Road, dates from 1895. Prior to Sir Michael Stoute taking the stables over, Sir Cecil Boyd-Rochfort trained horses there between 1923 and 1968.
Amo Racing Director Amy Drummond and Mr Joorabchian showed Mr Timothy around and introduced him to some of the equine residents, including three-year-old colt Benevento, who ran the next day in the 2000 Guineas at Rowley Mile, and three-year-old bay colt Tuscan Hills.
The renovated stable blocks have been constructed with bacteria-resistant bio-paint and rubber walls with the safety of horses and bio-security foremost in mind. Mr Timothy is pictured below with Mr Joorabchian (at right) and Ms Drummond (left).
Mr Timothy also saw one of the horses being exercised in the facility’s swimming pool.
Horses can take up to five to seven laps per day in the pool as it is an effective way to work on strength and conditioning.
Following the visit, Mr Timothy said: “It was wonderful to see the energy and talent at the Freemason Lodge, and the renovations to make the yard into a modern space while retaining its heritage and identity. There is so much history present, and it is great to see the stables gearing up for the future.
“The future of horseracing in Newmarket should continue to be bright with businesses such as this choosing the town as their base of operations.”
