The incorrect spelling of the Newmarket close named after Dick Perryman was spotted by eagle-eyed resident Tony Pringle in November, but when it was reported to Forest Heath Council the authority said it was too late for Periman Close to be altered.

News of the mistake reached Mr Perryman's son Richard, a retired Australian navy commander living near Canberra, who has written to the council calling for action.

Mr Perryman said his family, including his sister, their five children and eight grandchildren, though delighted with the concept of the honour, was appalled at the mistake.

"We have requested that, if this is the case, the sign be removed and the street be given another name. In its present form, the sign is meaningless and an insult to our father – not an honour," said Mr Perryman.

"We have strongly recommended that if this is too difficult, another Newmarket street be named after my late father with the correct spelling.

"On behalf of the family, I have expressed our surprise and disappointment that a British local government authority could be responsible for such an inefficient, insulting, arrogant, cavalier and thoughtless action."

In response, the council has offered to give the next available road in Newmarket the name Dick Perryman Road.

Offering the council's sincere apologies to Mr Perryman's family, council spokeswoman Sally Rode said: "Changing the name of the existing road would require us to canvass all the residents and get 60 per cent of them to agree to the change.

"It would require them to change their address on things like bank details and other official documents and it is possible we would not get 60 per cent in favour."

Dick Perryman first came to Newmarket in 1921 and went on to be one of the top jockeys of his generation.

He succeeded Tommy Weston as first jockey to Lord Derby for whom he rode Tideway to win the 1936 1000 Guineas, a race he also won on Pillion and Dancing Time.