A PIECE of the region's racing heritage was lost forever yesterday as bulldozers moved in to demolish the former home of one of the North-East's most famous racehorses.

Red Alligator became a legend in his home town of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, when he romped to victory in the 1968 Grand National.

After the victory, about 2,000 well-wishers lined the streets of Bishop Auckland as horse, jockey Brian Fletcher, owner Jack Manners and trainer Denys Smith returned to Mr Smith's stables at Holdforth Farm, off South Church Road.

The success was marked by the re-naming a pub in nearby South Church The Red Alligator, which still stands today.

Even though Mr Smith's stables went on to produce champions in other races, Red Alligator remains his most famous and the euphoria of that day is still fondly remembered by local people.

Mr Smith retired in 2002 and the stables have been closed since then.

As the bulldozers moved in yesterday, Mr Smith, who still lives at Holdforth Farm with his wife, Jean, said a final farewell to the stables that made his dreams come true. Four homes are to be built in their place.

Mr Smith, 81, said: "There was a time when I stopped training that I felt a bit sad, but then you just get used to it and get on with it.

"The stables have been empty for some time, so it was time for them to go. I suppose it is the end of an era and it will be interesting to have neighbours.''

In an interview with The Northern Echo, Mr Smith fondly recalled the day in 1968 when Bishop Auckland and the North-East were put firmly on the sporting map.

He said: "I felt 10ft tall. I was right up at the top of the stand with my wife. When it came over Melling Road, I said to her 'we've won it now', but she told me not to speak too soon. But I knew we had it.''