A RACEHORSE trainer has underlined his commitment to North Yorkshire by submitting a bid to expand his stables at Middleham.

Karl Burke left the relative security of Newmarket two years ago, taking a calculated risk by moving north.

He admitted that, since relocating, owners have proved more difficult to find - fewer look north for stables for their horses than the more established centres in the south.

However, Mr Burke said he has no regrets - and is asking Richmondshire District Council's permission to expand.

The project at Spigot Lodge includes a new staff accommodation block, 17 extra stables, two additional corner boxes, a new exercise ring and a manure store.

"The stables needed some attention, so this is an attempt to tidy up a bit," said Mr Burke. "If we're going to attract new owners then we have to have the room for their animals, so it makes sense to expand."

Mr Burke said that if they had more horses, they would recruit more staff.

The proposals are the first to emerge since the launch of an annual media day by the Middleham Trainers' Association in November.

The main aim of the partnership is to force the town from the shadows of other centres, such as Newmarket, and to confirm the importance of Wensleydale on the racing map.

Stables in and around Middleham netted £3m in prize-money for the first time last year and have won the backing of Richmond MP and former Tory leader William Hague, who promised to support a drive for a higher profile.

Middleham's advantages over its rivals include its central location, comparatively cheap accommodation and state-of the-art equine facilities, established over recent years with help from the Government.

"It's also a good thing to be surrounded by so much experience," said Mr Burke.

"People like Ferdy Murphy, Mark Johnston and Patrick Haslam have done great things in racing, and it's nice to know they're around."