HORSE racing enthusiast Gerald Tinsley saw a dream come true when he met Desert Orchid and was presented with one of the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner's racing plates.

Gerald, from Haresfinch, was being filmed along with his collection of racing memorabilia at Colehurst Manor, Market Drayton, for the new series of the Channel 4 programme 'Collectors Lot' when he met his favourite racing horse.

"Meeting Desert Orchid was great," said Gerald, "I already have plaited hairs from his tail but being presented with the racing plate on camera was a real surprise - I had no inkling that it was going to happen.'

Gerald (44) has been interested in racing since he was at school. He started his collection about seven years ago and has a particular interest in rare items connected with a whole host of horses and races.

Included in his vast collection is the actual bill of sale for Epsom racecourse from the late 1800s, a pink silk race card from Mauritius; and various horse relics such as a tooth from tragic Awbee who was killed in the 1922 Grand National, a shoe worn by Red Rum, and the browband worn by Derby winner Generous.

The 'Collectors Lot' programme featuring Gerald and Desert Orchid can be seen on Channel 4, next Monday, October 20, at 3.30pm.

RACING enthusiast Gerald Tinsley from Haresfinch (right) is pictured with 'Collectors Lot' presenter Sue Cook, Desert Orchid, and his handler Jim Stone.

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