A RENOWNED racehorse trainer and businessman described as a "gentleman" and "wonderfully loyal" by those who worked alongside him has died.

Warthill trainer Mel Brittain, 71, passed away at his Northgate Lodge Stables yesterday morning (thurs) following a long illness.

The father to Diane, Carol, Michelle and Antony, had been a respected figure in racing since he entered the sport in 1985.

Mr Brittain's endeavours also saw him run the UK’s largest independent plate stockist from its base in Fulford Industrial Estate.

Garry Marshall, 51, was Mr Brittain's racing manager for 23 years at the 185 acre stables.

He said: "He was wonderfully loyal. His head lad started here when he was 18 and is still around at 48 - that was the nature of the man.

"He nurtured a lot of people to do well in racing and took great pride in that.

"The key to him was fairness and integrity which were his watchwords and a lot of people had respect for him as a man.

"He has been a very big man for York. He was very well known and very successful, and it's a sad end."

Mr Brittain produced more than 500 winners from his stables and his best known horses included Grey Desire, Dublin Lad, whose victories includes the Gosforth Park Cup, and Grey Kingdom.

It is believed his son Antony will takeover the running of the businesses his father started.

Tom O'Ryan, The Press' racing correspondent, added: "It's sad to lose Mel, who was such a grand man, and who was so passionate and enthusiastic about his racing. He did his own thing and has been involved in the game, as owner, trainer and breeder for some 30 years.

"He had some good horses - Grey Desire, Dublin Lad and Peatswood Shooter would probably be the three who stand out, but his Northgate Lodge yard was active right up until his death, and he had two horses - Lucky Lodge and Grey Destiny - who both finished second at Thirsk on Wednesday.

"Those maroon and yellow checked colours of his were instantly recognizable and he's going to be missed."

Anthea Morshead, assistant clerk of York Racecourse, tweeted: "All @yorkracecourse are very sorry to hear York trainer, Mel Brittain, has passed away.

"He will be sadly missed. Condolences to his family.