A TOP racehorse trainer has spoken of his relief after one of his champion chargers was rescued from the River Derwent in Old Malton by firefighters.

Miami Bear, which notched up seven victories and £18,500 prize money during his career, was winched to safety after a two-hour operation which involved tying the brigade's hosepipes around his waist.

Miami Bear's trainer, Richard Fahey, who rode him to victories at several courses in the 1990s and continues to look after him, said he had been attending a race meeting in Doncaster when he was alerted to the horse's plight.

Mr Fahey, of Musley Bank, Malton, said: "I care a lot about Miami Bear as he was a winner. It was a shock to hear he had got into such a situation.

"I was very relieved to hear he had been rescued."

The former jockey, who has scored 11 wins as a trainer so far this year, said: "I went down to the field to see him afterwards as it was such an ordeal for him. He seemed to be recovering well."

The retired 21-year-old had decided to go for a swim in the river to cool off after grazing on an unseasonally warm afternoon last Wednesday.

A member of the public alerted North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service after spotting the beloved horse stuck in mud, with water up to his neck. Philip Pool, who looks after Miami Bear at Wyse House Farm in the town, said he had been aghast when firefighters contacted him and told him the horse was stricken.

Mr Pool said: "I raced down to the river and saw him neck-high in mud and he was beginning to get really distressed.

"I waded into the water and we managed to get some hosepipes from the fire engine wrapped around his waist and I dragged him out using the fork lift truck.

"It must have taken us two hours to finally get him out.

Following his ordeal, vets gave Miami Bear a clean bill of health.

Mr Pool said: "To be honest, given his age it was in the nick of time because he was getting so worked up.

"My son, Tom, was really upset at the time so we had to do all we could to save him because I couldn't let him end his days like that."

Miami Bear's long-term pal, Fuzzy the Shetland, who has shared the same field with him for the past five years, gave a whinny of delight after seeing his rescued mate.

Mr Pool's wife, Ruth, said: "It was upsetting, but Miami Bear doesn't seem too traumatised despite all the palaver.

"He is such a good- natured horse and means a lot to us all, especially his little pal, Fuzzy, who went galloping up to see him."