Hunt star Otis is ‘hounded out’

HE IS a pin-up of the hunting world and was one of those who stormed the Commons in protest over Tony Blair’s plan to ban the sport. But now I can reveal that Otis Ferry is parting company with the South Shropshire Hunt where he has been joint master since 2004.

The news will shock hunt supporters across the country as they prepare for traditional Boxing Day gatherings.

Sources claim Otis – the son of Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry and model Lucy Helmore – has been spending more time in London, making it harder to do his job during the hunt season. One said: ‘He’d often have to disappear midweek, and farmers were disgruntled that they were not being told when the hunt would ride on their land. A key role of a huntsman is to keep farmers and landowners on side.’

Otis, 35, has a busy social life and is often photographed at society events with his girlfriend, Lady Alice Manners, 22, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Rutland.

I’m told that matters came to a head in October when the hunt had to reappoint its team of masters for next year.

The current team of five, including Otis, wished to continue i n their roles but a majority on the committee rejected the line-up.

One South Shropshire committee member confirmed: ‘Otis was the only controversial name on the list. However, the rules state that if there is any opposition, the whole team is rejected.’

The hunt secretary confirmed that Otis, pictured right, would be leaving at the end of the current season in April.

Others are said to be very sad to see him go and praised his brilliance as a huntsman. Otis was once such a hero to rural families that they even named their puppies after him.

Every January he hosts a lavish hunt ball at 5 Hertford Street, a members-only club in Mayfair. The event has helped to attract a huge following to the South Shropshire, which was previously a little-known hunt.

Tim Easby, director of the Masters of Foxhounds Association, said: ‘I hope Otis will continue as a huntsman somewhere else as I believe he has a lot to offer.

‘He has brought a colossal amount to the South Shropshire and has taken it to a different league.’

Otis did not respond to my request for comment but supporters claim he is leaving to pursue a new career in modelling and fashion.