A unique collection of locks of hair cut from some of the world’s most famous racehorses is expected to be sold for up to £50,000 at auction.

The Ray Goddard Collection of Hair Trophies of Champion Racehorses, gathered between 1948 and 2004, features the likes of three-time Grand National winner Red Rum, Shergar, Arkle and Nijinsky.

Gathered by enthusiast Ray Goddard until his death in 2004, bidding for the collection of hair from 829 horses will start at £24,000 – and it is estimated it could be sold for £40,000-£50,000.

“Collecting locks of horse hair might seem like an unusual pastime, but it’s provided us with an incredible archive, featuring some of the most famous horses the racing world has seen,” said auctioneer Graham Budd.

“It tells a wonderful story of half a century of racing history.”

The collection will go to auction on 13 November at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket.