A MAN is due to appear in court accused of threatening the life of one of the world's top racehorses which is trained in Newmarket.

A MAN is due to appear in court accused of threatening the life of one of the world's top racehorses, which is trained in Newmarket.

Andrew Rodgerson is alleged to have been behind menacing text messages and e-mails in a blackmail plot said to involve Conduit, the favourite for the $3million Breeders' Cup Turf, police have confirmed.

The allegations are said to involve one made on July 24, the day before the Sir Michael Stoute-trained horse was due to run in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

It is alleged Rodgerson attempted to have the horse withdrawn. However the short-priced favourite, which has a stud value of up to �5million, ran and went on to win the race, netting more than �500,000 in prize money.

Police have confirmed the arrest of Rodgerson, a 26-year-old from Rochdale.

According to Greater Manchester Police he was charged with blackmail on August 7, and released on bail.

Rodgerson is now due to appear before Bolton Crown Court on December 1.