Johnston recalls 'wonderful time with Attraction' after Duke of Roxburghe death

Guy Innes-Ker, the tenth Duke of Roxburghe and owner-breeder of dual Guineas winner Attraction, has died aged 64.

'Mark Johnston, who trained Attraction to land five Group 1s, described Innes-Ker as "a man after my own heart".

He is reported to have died peacefully at his ancestral home, Floors Castle, near Kelso, following a lengthy battle with cancer. In 2009 he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and his family said in a statement he had fought the illness "with great courage and determination".

Johnston said: "It didn't matter if it was a Group 1 or a maiden, he loved winning and in that sense was a man after my own heart. He liked all the wins, it didn't matter how big or small.

"We had a wonderful time with Attraction and a lot of that was down to his attitude – it made it all the more fun because the pressure was never really on and he was so delighted with what she'd already achieved."

Attraction was the horse of a lifetime for the duke, winning the Hilary Needler, Queen Mary and Cherry Hinton in 2003 at two before adding the 1,000 Guineas, Irish 1,000 Guineas, Coronation Stakes and Sun Chariot at three and the Matron Stakes the following year. She won ten times from 15 starts, with half those victories coming at Group 1 level.

The duke, who was chairman of the National Stud, successfully bred from Attraction, producing black-type performers Cushion, Fountain Of Youth and last week's Juddmonte International third Elarqam, who Shadwell purchased for 1.6 million guineas in 2016.

"There's Elarqam, and he has two horses in training with us – Companion and Motion, who is a daughter of Attraction out of Invincible Spirit and a lovely filly who hasn't run yet," added Johnston. "He's been a fantastic owner, a fun owner and we've had some wonderful times."

Kevin Darley was on board for all but Attraction's first three starts and he said: "He's going to be truly missed. It was evident he was a very close family man, a true gent and an absolute pleasure to ride for."

The duke is survived by wife Virginia, five children and five grandchildren. His eldest son Charles, the Marquis of Bowmont, will succeed him as the 11th Duke of Roxburghe.

The family statement added: "He was a wonderful and loving husband to Virge and devoted father to Rosie, Charlie, Ted, Bella and George, and it is a desperate loss to us all.

"His family meant so much to him and he was always there to offer love, guidance and support. He really was a Corinthian figure who was a great sportsman, a passionate fisherman who made a huge contribution to fisheries management on the River Tweed and a successful businessman who modernised and turned Roxburghe Estates into the successful business it is today."

The duke's yearling colt by Frankel, a full-brother to Elarqam, is entered for Tattersalls Book One in October.

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