Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Robert Alner has died at the age of 76.
From his Dorset base he sent out Cool Dawn to win the 1998 renewal of The Festival's most prestigious race.
Renowned for his handling of staying chasers, big winners in a distinguished career included Kingscliff (2005 Betfair Chase) and Miko De Beauchene (2007 Welsh National).
Sadly Alner, who trained near the village of Droop, was paralysed in a car accident 13 years ago.
His wife Sally then jointly held the licence, which they relinquished in 2010.
Friend Jonathan Powell said he greatly admired Alner's courage.
"Racing lost the bravest of the brave last night when Robert Alner died in Odstock Hospital, Salisbury.
"A heart of oak is finally still.
"He has been an inspiration to his family, friends and nurses since his terrible accident over 12 years ago.
"Unbelievable courage in adversity."
More than 200 of Alner's winners were ridden by Andrew Thornton, who retired in 2018.
The jockey said his Welsh National win in on Miko De Beauchene in 2007 meant as much as winning the Gold Cup, as it came shortly after the trainer's accident.
"Because for me that was better than any medicine Robert could have had," he told the Racing Post.
The sad news comes as the racing community mourns the loss of James Banks at the age of 36.
The former jockey was found dead at his home in Naunton yesterday.
Gloucestershire police said it is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
