Tributes to man who cared for racing legend Desert Orchid

A head lad entrusted with the care of a horse that was a steeplechasing legend has died at the age of 83.

Mr Jim Stone, of Flintham, looked after Desert Orchid, one of the nation’s favourite racehorses, when it needed resting, becoming a "summer minder" as the horse was kept in fields near Flintham Hall.

"When the season was finished, Desert Orchid came back to Flintham," said Mr Stone’s daughter, Mrs Elaine Joynes.

"My father loved him and kept him well hidden."

Mrs Joynes said her father had a natural flair with horses and worked with them when he was called up for National Service.

When he was moved to RAF Syerston he looked after officers’ horses in stables at Flintham.

Mr Stone remained in the area when he was demobbed and worked for Mr Richard Peake, of Hawksworth, master of South Notts Hunt, and his family looking after their horses.

He also took care of Desert Orchid at Flintham because he knew the champion horse’s owners.

During a ten-year career, the grey won 34 races, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, a record four King George VI chases, the Irish Grand National, and the Whitbread Gold Cup.

When the horse stopped racing in 1981 it coincided with Mr Stone’s retirement, and he was asked to take Desert Orchid to many events around the country.

The appearances attracted large crowds and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

The Queen and the Queen Mother were said to be fond of the horse, which had a fan club.

Principal owner Mr Richard Burridge acknowledged Mr Stone’s role in the horse’s care in his book, The True Story Of Desert Orchid.

The book includes a picture of Desert Orchid on his holidays at Flintham in the summer of 1987, and one of Mr Stone with the horse in front of fans at an open day at Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire.

In Mr Stone’s copy of the book, a note written by Mr Burridge said: "With many thanks for taking such good care of Des down the years."

Mr Stone leaves two children — Mrs Joynes and Mr Peter Stone — grandchildren Katie, Claire and Daniel, and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at St Augustine’s Church, Flintham, on Thursday at 1.30pm.