The National Heritage Centre at Palace House Newmarket is set to receive two special four legged guests in January. Kingsgate Native, the well-known sprinter who retired in 2016 will be visiting the Rothschild Yard and be on meet and greet duties. He will be joined by 11 year old Group 3 winner The Cheka who was trained by Eve Johnson Houghton. Visitors will be able to meet these equine stars from 19th January.

These two horses will be replacing Frileux Royal and Our Vic who have been at the Heritage Centre since September and proved to be a huge hit with visitors. The opportunity to get up close and personal with these retired thoroughbreds has been very well received by visitors and is a welcome addition to what is already on offer at the National Heritage Centre.

Kingsgate Native, who raced for ten seasons, won 8 of his 60 starts – two of which were Group Ones, amounting to an incredible £851,420 in prize money. His new career, which he will begin after a spell at the National Heritage Centre, will be to teach young aspiring jockeys how to ride at the British Racing School. The Cheka retired from racing in 2013 after six seasons in training with Eve Johnson-Houghton, he won multiple Group races and finished second to Mayson in the 2012 July Cup. They both come on loan from the British Racing School as part of their break.

Joe Grimwade, RoR and Public Engagement Manager said;

“We are thrilled to be welcoming both The Cheka and Kingsgate Native to the Rothschild Yard this week. Kingsgate Native has been a huge part of the flat racing scene for the past ten years and I am sure visitors to the Heritage Centre will be thrilled to get the chance to meet him. We are grateful to the Thompson Family and the British Racing School, who have been huge supporters, allowing us to look after him.”

Cheveley Park Stud’s managing director, Chris Richardson, said

“Kingsgate Native has, over the years, developed a huge following and it is fitting that he can be viewed by the general public in such splendid and spectacular surroundings at the Heritage Centre.”

Facts about Kingsgate Native:

Age: 11

Pedigree: Mujadil (USA) ex. Native Force (IRE)

Owner: Cheveley Park Stud

Trainers: Robert Cowell, Sir Michael Stoute, Jim Best

Colour: Bay

Races Won: 8. Including two Group 1’s, two Group 2’s, one Group 3 & one Listed

Prize Money: £851,420

Facts about The Cheka

Age: 11

Pedigree: Xaar ex Veiled Beauty

Owner: Anthony Pye-Jeary & the late Mel Smith

Trainers: Eve Johnson Houghton

Colour: Bay

Races Won: 4. Including one Group 3 & one Listed race.

Prize Money: £308,945

To find out more about the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing & Sporting Art and to book your chance to meet these fantastic thoroughbreds, call 0344 748 9200 or click here.