A top thoroughbred racehorse has retired to a Clitheroe stud farm in the hope of breeding champions of the future.

Redoubtable, whose bloodlines link him to some of the top racehorses of all time, had been due to return home to the US, but due to "unforeseen circumstances" has retired to End House Stud, Main Street, Gisburn.

Stud owners have heralded the news as a "great gain for the British racing industry".

Trudy Goulding, manager at the stud, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome such a well-known, quality horse as Redoubtable.

"The search to replace our stallion Honeybrook Siren has been a long arduous task and proved almost fruitless, until through what could only be described as fate, Redoubtable found us.

"We believe he is the perfect sire for eventers, show horses and working hunters as well as top class racehorses because of his superb temperament.

"This is a huge loss for the Americans but great gain for the British racing industry."

Redoubtable's dad was American thoroughbred Grey Dawn II and his mother was the equally renowned Seattle Rockette.

He won 22 races, was placed 38 times, and ran 188 races in total during his 12-year career.

The 14-year-old stallion has won over five, six, seven, seven-and-a-half furlongs and a mile.

His major successes include the Winalot National Stakes at Sandown Park and Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. His total career winnings are £149,956.

Redoubtable was once used as the lead horse to train Lammtarra, the 1995 Derby and Arc de Triomphe winner.

The news further strengthens East Lancashire's racing links. Earlier this year the Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed how the region could have its own multi-million pound racecourse within three years under plans being drawn up by an international consortium.

A race track operator with financial backers in the Middle East has identified a site between Altham and Simonstone as part of a scheme to create four "Super Race Tracks" across the world.

Economic leaders hope that, if things go according to plan, the course could be complete in 2008.