Cheltenham Gold Cup's maker dismayed by theft

THE jeweller responsible for making the Cheltenham Gold Cup has offered his sympathies to horse owner Raymond Mould after the trophy was stolen yesterday morning.

Nigel Dimmer, whose family firm Martin & Co has been manufacturing a new Gold Cup every year since 1935, said: "I believe it is Raymond's Gold Cup that has been stolen. I think it's absolutely awful for something like that to happen to a lovely man who has done so much for National Hunt racing."

The stolen 1988 Gold Cup was won by Charter Party, trained by the late David Nicholson and ridden by Richard Dunwoody.

Mr Dunwoody said: "The Gold Cup is the pinnacle of our sport. It is arguably the most prestigious race in our sport.

"It doesn't personally affect me but I am disappointed and it must be a huge disappointment to Raymond to have lost these trophies. Hopefully they will be able to recover them."

Gloucestershire Police said they wanted to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area overnight.

Anyone with any information about the burglary was asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.