HISTORIC trophies believed to have been given to the original winners of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas races in the 18th Century have been stolen during a raid at a stately home.

HISTORIC trophies believed to have been given to the original winners of the 1000 and 2000 Guineas races in the 18th Century have been stolen during a raid at a stately home.

Lord and Lady Fairhaven, owners of Kirtling Tower near Newmarket, have been left devastated following the theft of the irreplaceable treasures, which are thought to be worth a considerable amount of money.

Detectives said last night there was a possibility the burglary might be linked to similar incidents across Newmarket and the surrounding area, including the theft of trophies and medals from jockey Frankie Dettori's home - in the nearby village of Stetchworth - in August this year.

Investigating officer, Det Sgt Chris Wilson of Cambridgeshire police, said the theft was a huge loss to the horseracing industry, and spoke of his fears at the cups being melted down.

“The guineas cups are worth a lot of money, and as well as being irreplaceable, they are historic artefacts that are not only important to the owners, but to everyone connected to the horseracing industry,” he said.

“There have been several burglaries in and around the Newmarket area, where similar types of artefacts have been stolen, and this burglary is something that is probably part of the same series.

“Whoever is responsible is targeting wealthy individuals, at high value properties, and we are now investigating any possible links.”

Lord and Lady Fairhaven were at home when the incident happened, at around 7.15pm on Saturday.

They were alerted to the theft by a member of their staff, who disturbed the burglar in the dining room, causing him to flee through an open window.

As well as the trophies, the man - who was dressed completely in black - stole antique candle sticks.

“At the moment we can only say there is one person responsible for the theft because only one person was seen. But there could be other people working with him and that is one of the things I am keen to find out,” said Det Sgt Wilson.

He added: “Once whoever has the items realises the significance of the cups, they will know it will be very difficult to offload them because they are distinctive and unique, and no one could legally take possession of them without realising what they were.”

Lord Fairhaven said: “We are extremely distressed at the loss we have suffered, particularly the two guineas cups which are of historic importance.

“We would appeal for anyone who has information about this burglary, or knows where our belongings could be, to contact the police.

If you can help, contact Det Sgt Wilson on 0845 4564564, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.