Amanda Perrett pays tribute to sister Gaye Harwood following her death

Trainer Amanda Perrett on Sunday paid tribute to her sister Gaye Harwood, who died in a road traffic accident which occurred along the A29 last Monday.

Police were called to a collision between a lorry and a pedestrian at Codmore Hill, Pulborough, on Monday morning. Harwood, the daughter of former trainer Guy Harwood who was in her 40s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Perrett said: "It's a real tragedy, a tragic accident, and she'll be very much missed by all of us. Our family, her partner Ben and gorgeous daughter Willow are devastated at our loss.

"We were all so proud of what she did in her short life. She was a brilliant little jockey on the Flat and point-to-pointing. She travelled and went to Australia and New Zealand."

Harwood rode 11 winners for Mary Reveley and Perrett, as well as for her father, between 1990 and 1997. She also won the historic Newmarket Town Plate in 1986.

"She built up the Coombelands Equestrian Centre all by herself, and a lot of top-class showjumpers and eventers use it," said Perrett. "It was completely her department and she's left behind quite a legacy there for people to use for years to come."

Perrett, who is also based in Pulborough in West Sussex, added: "We're lucky we're all together and we have drawn tremendous comfort from all of the letters, cards and phone calls, and all our friends around us have been fantastic."