By Andrew Atkinson
Controversy has arisen surrounding a major redevelopment of historic Middleham based racing stables, following racehorse owners’ John and Jess Dance’s scheme to redevelop 289-acre Manor House Farm.
The redevelopment will be reconsidered by Richmondshire District Council – a month after being approved subject to no objections being raised over the creation of an underpass to enable walkers to safely cross a new all-weather track.
The proposed scheme at the yard, previously run by classic-winning breeder Lenore ‘Lennie’ Peacock, saw the late inclusion of an underpass for people using a popular footpath near Canaan’s Lane, after North Yorkshire County Council said the proposed gallops crossing it would create a significant hazard.
The path forms part of the Six Dales Trail long distance walk, connecting Middleham with paths along the River Cover and is well used by walkers of all abilities.
Following the consent, Middleham Town Council has reportedly objected to excavating an underpass to run 2.5 metres beneath the gallops.
The council have flagged up that it would create a blot of the landscape and would be a disproportionate response to the risk of a collision with a galloping horse.
In its objection, a town council spokesman said: “This footpath is well used by local people, dog walkers and families, as well as long distance walkers.
“Opinions within Middleham have been unanimous in rejection of the underpass, describing it as inappropriate in the landscape and out of all proportion to the potential danger of crossing an all-weather track.”
In another objection to the plans, the British Horse Society (BHS) said the gallops appeared to be uncomfortably close to the route for the safety of horse riders using the bridleway.
A society spokesman said: “It is not safe or sensible to suggest that walkers with dogs and children – even adults – can safely cross a gallops whilst they are in use, it is a danger to the walkers and to the jockeys and even the racehorses.
“The sight of galloping race horses coming towards them from the east is very likely to cause issues for riders with horses getting over-excited.”
The town council has called for staggered, above ground railings as a means of crossing the linear gallop, amid agents for the Dances and The Jockey Club having highlighted above ground railings have been used at numerous racecourses and training sites, nationally and around Middleham.
After reviewing evidence about above ground crossings, including Newmarket, county council officers said such a scheme should not be approved on safety grounds, as a direct comparison with other sites could not be made.
They have concluded an above ground crossing would pose a significant new additional risk and deter people from using the popular footpath.
In a report to the planning committee meeting, officers recommended the yard redevelopment includes the creation of an underpass, saying: “It would be the safest solution to the crossing of the gallop.”
Owner John Dance bought Manor House Stud, appointing Sir Michael Stoute’s assistant James Horton as his private trainer.
Manor House Stud was formerly owned by Lenore ‘Lennie’ Peacock, who died in March 2019, aged 97. The last northern-trained Derby winner, Dante, was born and raised there.
Upon purchasing Manor House Farm, in a statement on his Dance Thoroughbreds Twitter account, John Dance said: “We announced a temporary wind down of our operations so we could step back from racing for a period and re-evaluate.
“It proved a brilliant decision for us both, and allowed me the opportunity to come up with a revised strategy for our participation.
“It is in the most beautiful location and has stunning views, beautiful paddocks and incredible grass. We intend to split the farm into two separate operations, one a top-class private training facility and the other as a development stud for our homebred yearlings. Having dreamt up this plan in late 2020.
“James (Horton) has a fantastic CV for moving into the training ranks, and the team has very similar aspirations and philosophies.”
Caption: John Dance: Redevelopment of 289-acre Manor House Farm.
