Death of successful dual-purpose trainer at age of 81

Arthur Pitt, who was among the last survivors of a golden age of Epsom trainers, has died aged 81.

Pitt, who was from Radnorshire in Wales, started training in 1965 after working as travelling head groom to Jack Sirrett, and enjoyed significant success with a relatively small string before retiring in 1986.

Among the big names Pitt trained was triple Champion Hurdle winner Persian War, who he handled for one season after owner Henry Alper fell out with trainer Colin Davies, and Rag Trade, with whom he won the 1975 Midlands Grand National before he was switched to Fred Rimell and won the following year's Grand National.