THE Langton Wold gallops, used by a host of Ryedale trainers, is to get a massive refurbishment thanks largely to a grant which has been warmly welcomed.

The Langton Wolds Gallops Committee, of which Malcolm Jefferson is chairman, has been informed that its application for a grant, worth some £47,000, has been approved by the BHA through its Racing Foundation, a scheme funded by part of British Horseracing’s share of the proceeds from the sale of the Tote and designed to support worthwhile projects which will benefit horseracing and its associated industries.

In Malton’s case, the grant will go towards completing the final four furlongs of the mile-and-quarter all-weather gallop.

“It’s great news,” said Jefferson, who was thankful to Mike Goodfellow for compiling the application.

“It’s going to cost £100,000 to do the job and we have to find the other half of the money, which is how the scheme works. It will be great when it’s done.”

Work on the gallop, which runs around the perimeter of Langton Wolds, is due to begin in the spring.

“It needs to be done during a dry spell so we’re looking at April or May,” said Jefferson.

“It’ll be lovely to have it completed as it’s the sort of gallop that gets horses into a good rhythm and encourages them to settle and to breathe properly.”