CAMELOT Racing Club has accepted it will not be able to buy star chaser Dorans Pride after its new bid of £300,000 was rejected.

Owner Tom Doran insisted his horse, who is trained by Michael Hourigan and who is unbeaten over fences, was not for sale at any price after Camelot upped their original £250,000 offer by £50,000.

Camelot is now turning its search for an established National Hunt star elsewhere, although spokesman David Craig admitted the club has no specific horse in mind yet.

He said the club has received a flood of calls offering horses for sale, but not one had been a top star.

"We are looking for something with proven ability which will be a bit of a flagship for the club," added Craig. "For financial reasons Mr Doran would have sold but in some ways it is nice that money is not everything.

"He was an absolute gentleman about the whole thing and I'd be delighted if the horse wins for him at Cheltenham."