Michael Roberts, the countryman, prolific crew chaser and former hunt grasp died on 8 December following an accident, aged 80.
He began life as a salesman for Visitor Eager and Nettlefold, and progressed to beginning TR Fastenings with Mike Timms. The enterprise went public 30 years in the past and now manufactures and sells tens of millions of nuts, bolts, fasteners and devices of all types all through the world.
Mr Roberts’ farms in East Sussex have been the envy of the county; well-fenced and managed pasture, pristine historic hedgerows, tidy woodlands, footpaths and accesses, landscaped streams, ponds and gardens. His love of animals and wildlife was taken to extremes, with canines, pleasant peacocks and alpacas – however above all his horses.
He was an beginner jockey who bred and rode his personal horses, in addition to having a coach’s licence. His immaculate yard at Summertree produced many well-known native horses. Trainers would ship him kids to convey on as a result of he was exceptionally sympathetic and believed in instructing a horse to get pleasure from racing. His horses had been his mates.
Mr Roberts was a really adventurous, courageous horseman. He competed within the greatest cross-country trip in England, the Melton Hunt Membership Experience, in most years and gained it in 1988 and 1991. His crew chase crew, the Trifast Allstars, gained the UK Workforce Chase Championships in 1999 and 2000.
His greatest equestrian achievement was on 10 October 1983 when he efficiently accomplished one of many world’s hardest races, the Grand Pardubice Steeplechase within the Czech Republic, which is 4 miles and two furlongs lengthy, over 31 obstacles.
He was grasp of the East Sussex and Romney Marsh for a few years. He additionally was a member of the Mid Surrey Farmers’ Draghounds for many of his using profession, and he usually hunted in Leicestershire and throughout England.
Mr Roberts was an all-round sportsman, a courageous and dependable pal – however above all, a form gentleman. He was a completely self-made man and used his wealth to learn the world and encourage throughout him. This world wants extra like him.
He’s survived by his spouse Sue, his son Jon and daughter Jess, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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