Duke the heaviweight horse reigns in the height stakes

12:22pm Friday 16th May 2008

He's a whole hunk of horse.

At 19.3 hands high, Duke the shire horse is hoping to plough his way into the record books as the tallest equine in the world.

The super steed, who weighs more than a family car and cost as much to run at £80 a week is certainly the mane attraction at The Horse Refuge, in Finchingfield.

The heavyweight five-year-old has taken over the reigns of the tallest horse in Britain title, held by a 19h 2ins Shire called Cracker until his death last year (2007).

Sara Ross, who runs The Horse Refuge in Finchingfield believes he's a contender for the tallest horse in the world.

She said: "He's the biggest horse I've ever seen, and I've seen quite a few horses over the years.

"He's an absolute giant, he's huge.

"We rescued him about 18 months ago and he's grown and grown. He's only five-years-old so he hasn't stopped growing yet."

"Everyone who come who see him cannot believe their eyes, he's massive.

Editor's choice