Ludlow bookmaker Bill Parsonage dies aged 85

Bill Parsonage, a Ludlow bookmaker, whose family are synonymous with the Forbra Gold Challenge Cup, the historic race run at Ludlow each March, died last week aged 85.

Parsonage was the grandson of William Parsonage who owned Forbra, the winner of the 1932 Grand National whose achievement is honoured at the Shropshire tracks.

The trophy for the Forbra Gold Cup was presented to the Ludlow Race Club by Parsonage's surviving sons and for the past few years the trophy has been presented by Bill Parsonage and his nephew Stuart Parsonage.