Tributes as Shropshire champion of horse racing industry dies at 66
Tributes have been paid to a Shropshire man well known for his work in the world of horse-racing, who has died suddenly aged 66.
Rory MacDonald, who was described by his close family as a great countryman and a champion of the young, only retired as chief executive of the British Racing School last year.
He died on Monday.
Mr MacDonald, lived in Wrockwardine, near Telford, with his wife Antonia and his three stepsons, Archie, William and Henry.
He had recently been appointed as a trustee of the newly formed Shropshire Youth Support Trust. In May this year he was co-opted as a member of Wrockwardine Parish Council.
He served as chief executive for the British Racing School for 22 years and was the driving force in its transformation into a world renowned centre of excellence. In 2007 he was made an OBE for services to horse-racing and to disadvantaged young people.
British Racing School operations director Duncan Gregory said everyone was devastated by the news. "Rory built the racing school from a fairly modest set-up to a centre of excellence of international repute," he said.
"He did a huge amount to develop the standing of the school and he was synonymous with it. He did so much and never for selfish reasons."
Nick Rust, chief executive of the British Horse Racing Association, said he was deeply saddened by the news, adding that Mr MacDonald had been tireless in his work for the school. "Throughout his remarkable tenure at the British Racing School he gave so many young people a start in racing, for which we should all be extremely thankful," he said.
Shortly after retiring from the British Racing School, Mr MacDondald was made an honorary member of the Jockey Club in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the racing industry.
He served as a major in the Royal Hussars from 1972 to 1988, serving with great distinction in both Northern Ireland and Beirut. From 1988 to 1991 he worked as personal executive to the chairman of the Carroll Group, a multinational conglomerate in London.
In recent months he had been working as a management coach and mentor.
Martin Goldstraw, clerk of Wrockwardine Parish Council, said he was shocked to hear the news. "We express our sorrow for the family, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time," he said.
