Charter Party on his way to winning the 1988 Gold Cup at Cheltenham
PICTURE: Getty ImagesCharter Party's Gold Cup stolen in burglary
GLOUCESTERSHIRE POLICE are investigating a burglary at owner Raymond Mould's house in Wormington, near Broadway, Worcestershire, in which the Cheltenham Gold Cup won byCharter Party in 1988, was stolen.
Officers were alerted to the burglary at approximately 6.50am on Wednesday, July 14, in which the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase 'Challenge Cup' and Britannia Handicap Cup were also stolen.
Mould, quoted on BBC News, said the burglary was "very well targeted," and added: '"I'm trying to total up how much is gone but it's a lot more than the figures in the news.
"They've left the plinths behind which is good news. I know exactly what they have taken."
A new Cheltenham Gold Cup is manfuactered every year, but the firm thatproduces the trophies - Martin & Co, is more concerned by the potential loss of the 'Challenge Cup', which is a one-off from the longest running race at the Festival.
On the theft of the Gold Cup, Mould said: "What's the point in melting it down? To me it's worth a fortune.
"It's the sentimental value, not the monetary value that's at play here."
The combined value of the haul, which also included bronze ornaments, isbelieved to be £150,000.
Investigating officers are eager to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area over night.
Anyone with any information about the burglary is asked to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident number 38 of July 14.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
