Farmer gambles on virus payout

Four of Mr Millican's horses have started racing

A farmer from Cumbria has staked his foot-and-mouth compensation on becoming a racehorse owner.

John Millican's farm was devastated during last year's epidemic when his herd of 100 cattle and 500 sheep were slaughtered.

He decided to gamble his £80,000 compensation payment on 11 thoroughbred horses.

Mr Millican said his decision to hand-pick the juveniles at the Newmarket sales rather than restock his farm was the right one.

'No regrets'

Four of the young horses have now stepped onto the racing circuit with one - Middleham Peacock - already winning races.

The two-year-old came in at 6-1 in his first two races - at Ayr and Musselburgh.

His success was followed by another win at Ayr.

Mr Millican, 62, of Little Bampton, Cumbria, said he had no regrets.

"I wouldn't go back to farming," he said.

"I worked night and day and I could never go away and leave it.

"I'm not as young as I was. I'm certain that I made the right decision."