Northern stalwart and owner Sandy Taylor dies aged 76

Sandy Taylor, a figure steeped in racing and whose parents were among multiple champion Flat trainer Noel Murless's original owners, has died aged 76.

Taylor's distinctive black-and-white hooped colours were, like their owner, a regular sight on northern tracks in the 1970s and 1980s as the former farmer followed family tradition after being bitten by the racing bug.

His father, Colonel Dick Taylor, was the long-standing chairman of Newcastle, and Taylor, who died at a care home in Hungerford on Thursday, loved nothing better than having runners at his local courses Kelso and Hexham.

He was also an enthusiastic supporter of Alnwick trainer Barney Cross and the pair enjoyed notable success with Golden End and Chipchase, who had a special place in his heart.

A homebred, Chipchase was named after the family home, which is remembered by a Group 3 sprint at Newcastle.

Julian Wilson, John McCririck and Peter Player were among his contemporaries at Harrow, and Taylor, who was keen on most sports, also had horses with Middleham trainers Jumbo Wilkinson and Peter Chisman.

Taylor, who was divorced with no children, is survived by a brother, Simon, and sister, Valerie. A private funeral will be held at Thatcham Crematorium on Monday, February 12.

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