A MAN who became famous all over the country as a skilful trainer of harness racing ponies, has died at the age of 86.

Owners who wanted to know how to improve difficult horses used to contact Bob Brown at his home in Butterknowle, near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

Many also used to ask him to go to sales with them to pick out young ponies that could develop into potential champions on race tracks.

His nephew, Eric Stephenson, of Sunnybrow, near Bishop Auckland, said yesterday: "Bob was a legend in the world of harness racing for more than 50 years. He was a real expert.

"He went to America and Belgium at times on behalf of owners to select ponies that would do well for them. Everyone trusted him to give good advice and he was always delighted to help."

Maurice Ward, a harness owner, trainer and driver, from Hartlepool, said: "Bob was a gentleman and honest broker who achieved great things as a trainer. He was greatly respected by everyone."

He added: "A lot of people are in this game for what they can get out of it. But Bob was never like that. He did it because he loved the horses."

Mr Brown's wife Winnie, who died two years ago, was also keen on harness racing and the couple went to meetings all over Britain. They had no children.

Mr Brown owned and raced some harness ponies in his younger years, but it was as a trainer for other owners that he made his mark.

His funeral takes place at St John's Church, Lynesack, near Barnard Castle, tomorrow, at 1.30pm.