Sculpture tribute proposed for home of race founder

The St Leger Stakes is one the oldest and most important British horse races

A sculpture garden has been proposed to help mark a village's importance in the history of a prestigious horse race.

The St Leger Stakes was established in Doncaster in 1776 and is one of the UK's oldest and most famous races.

It was founded by Lt Col Anthony St Leger, who lived in Firbeck, Rotherham, with the sculpture garden in the village set to feature two steel racehorses.

The plans, submitted by Firbeck Parish Council to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, would see the tribute installed on a grass verge off Kidd Lane.

The proposed design shows the horses galloping past a stone wall towards a field known locally as Long Close.

Folklore suggests the area was once used for informal races organised by St Leger himself, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The design shows the horses galloping past a stone wall towards a field

Firbeck's connection to the race is already marked by a blue plaque and village sign, but backers of the new artwork hoped it would offer a further visible tribute to the area's role in racing history.

The St Leger Stakes is the oldest of the five British classic races and is held annually at Doncaster Racecourse.

The route spans a distance of one mile, six furlongs and 115 yards (2,921m).

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