A HISTORIC Newmarket stud has been offered up for sale for a price in excess of �4.25million.

Estate agents Savills said the owners of Plantation Stud, Dermot and Perle O’Rourke, decided to invite bids on the 210 acre stud, with 53 boxes and six houses, after receiving an unsolicited offer from a major overseas buyer.

Adrian Wilson, director at Savills Cambridge, said; “We have been approached by potential purchasers, and we are examining the various proposals.”

The stud has been the birthplace of champions including Epsom Derby winner Slip Anchor. It has had only two previous owners in the past 80 years, Lord Derby and Lord Howard de Walden.

Lord Howard de Walden bought the property in 1958, and over the next 40 years bred and raced the winners of over 600 races. The current owners have had considerable success, including breeding the Grade 1 winner Ave.

A spokesperson for Plantation said; “The O’Rourkes’ decision to downsize their bloodstock interests at the Tattersalls December Breeding Stock Sale may well have encouraged the unsolicited approach.”

Mr Wilsonsaid: “We are instructed to offer the stud to a wider audience. We will be undertaking a comprehensive marketing campaign. The property will have undoubted appeal to those wishing to secure a proven breeding ground in the heart of the UK’s racing headquarters. Who knows whether another Derby winner may be bred here.”