Morston

Coordinates: 52°57′17″N 0°59′17″E / 52.95466°N 0.98812°E / 52.95466; 0.98812

Morston is a village and civil parish in the English county of Norfolk. It covers an area of 8.68 km² (3.35 sq mi) and had a population of 86 in 42 households at the 2001 census. For the purposes of local government, it falls within the district of North Norfolk.

Like its neighbour Blakeney, Morston, used to be a major port 400 years ago, but is now only used by a small number of fishing boats, leisure craft and the regular seal watching trips which leave for Blakeney Point.

Morston Hall restaurant is located in the parish.

Notes about Morston

Harold Davidson (1875 – 1937), the "Rector of Stiffkey" was also the parish priest here.

The father of writer Annie Hall Cudlip commanded the local Coastguard station.

The 1973 Derby Stakes winner was Morston, the horse being named after the village. Running for just the second time he was returned at odds of 25-1. His half-brother Blakeney won the same race in 1969.

Morston (horse)

Morston (1970–1993) was a French-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. He is best known for winning the 1973 Epsom Derby on his second racecourse appearance. He was then injured, and retired undefeated.

Background

Morston was bred in France by his owner Arthur Budgett's Park Farm Stud. He was sired by the Irish Derby winner Ragusa out of Budgett's mare Windmill Girl. This made him a brother of the 1969 Derby winner Blakeney. He was named after a village in Norfolk.

Racing career

Unraced at two, Morston made his debut in the Godstone Plate, at Lingfield in May 1973. He won comfortably, but showed his inexperience- according to Budgett he was "all over the place".

In the Derby he was made a 25-1 outsider. His jockey Edward Hide was told by Arthur Budgett not to be too hard on the colt, if he was not in a winning position. In the race he hit the front a furlong out and stayed on well to beat Cavo Doro by half a length.

Morston was being trained for the Great Voltigeur Stakes when he suffered a tendon injury which ended his career.