Remains of missing racehorse found on firing range

Ten-year-old Zimbabwe, owned by Philip Sharp of Whatlington, escaped onto a Ministry of Defence firing range in Kent after unseating his rider while being exercised on the beach in Camber Sands on January 8.

Originally feared stolen, the gelding's remains were discovered in a 20ft deep ditch by workmen clearing the site.

Zimbabwe was identified by the tendon boots he was wearing when he escaped.

Because he was so badly decomposed, establishing the cause of death was impossible, but Mr Sharp believes Zimbabwe could have died from hypothermia.

Mr Sharp has already lodged a 10,000 compensation claim, which includes the cost involved in a helicopter search for Zimbabwe, but that recently stalled when Army officials disputed his version of events.

When the horse first went missing, Mr Sharp was initially refused entry into the firing range, which contain several unexploded bombs.

The horse trainer, who had Zimbabwe for one-and-a-half years, was then allowed to take part in a three-hour search.

His racehorse's wins include the 2003 Irish Cesarewitch for his breeder Sheikh Mohammed and former trainer John Oxx.

His most recent win came in a Fontwell selling hurdle in April 2007, when trained by Gary Moore.