'He was so determined he was going to have horses and he made it happen' - Thomas Morton, who has died aged 80

Thomas Morton may not have had the resources to become a trainer but he realised his ambition through sheer determination and a passion for racing. 

Morton, who died last month at the age of 80, worked his way up the ranks to train nine winners from his home in Herefordshire over a three-decade career. 

Born in Country Durham, Morton lied about his riding ability in order to secure his first job working for Grand National-winning trainer Bobby Renton. He learned to ride in earnest at the yard and had a few mounts as an amateur before eventually moving south to work for Stan Mellor and then John Edwards in Herefordshire.