Baroness Harding on Robert Alner: 'He was an extraordinary role model'

Baroness Harding has paid an emotional tribute to her "trusted friend" Robert Alner, who died in hospital at the age of 76 on Monday.

The trainer bought and looked after her memorable Gold Cup winner Cool Dawn, who gave them an unforgettable day at Cheltenham in 1998, but their relationship began long before then.

Their exploits in racing were intertwined for almost 40 years, originating in Dorset, where Harding met the talented amateur rider when she was a 16-year-old already dedicated to following a similar path.

"Everything I have done in racing has been because of him," said Harding, a former CEO of TalkTalk who chairs NHS Improvement.

"I met him as a teenager hoping to have my first ride in a point-to-point and he and his wife Sally trained my first one. They gave me my first winner and probably saved my life along the way."

Fast forward eight years and their paths crossed again. After returning from America, Harding gave Alner £7,000 from an extension on her business school loan to buy her a horse.

"He went over to Ireland to get me a nice, safe ladies' point-to-pointer and came back with Cool Dawn," Harding said. "He and Tom Costello spent a night in a pub arguing about the price. A bottle of whiskey later and £7,000 was agreed. The rest is history.

"I watched the Gold Cup beside him and neither of us could believe it. I was excited halfway round because we were going to see him on the TV while he was still in front. It was an unreal experience.

Baroness Dido Harding: 'Everything I have done in racing has been because of him'Credit: Ian Gavan

"I have a grin on my face remembering it and he always did when we spoke about that day. Nobody can take it away from us. People questioned whether he was a worthy winner after See More Business was carried out but he did it. We often used to talk about that."

Alner took out his training licence in 1993 and not only enjoyed a number of big-race winners but was an important tutor to a number of top jockeys, including Daryl Jacob and Andrew Thornton, as well as Harding, who rode as an amateur jockey for a number of years.

He was paralysed in a car accident in 2007 and it was his courage in the face of this harrowing adversity that most inspired Harding.

"He was an amazing judge of a horse but also a brilliant coach to a number of riders. He kept me alive. He had the challenge of telling me not to ride my own horse. He was a really awesome man," she said.

"Most people who have that sort of accident manage to survive a bit and people often pity them, but Robert lived every day. He made the best of what he had and was an extraordinary role model.

"I went to see him in London a few months after his operation and he was on his back in the ward without a TV or radio and couldn't really speak. It was awful and I told him I must be able to help.

"He told me that when racehorses break down we put them in a stable for three months and they are no longer free as a bird and in peak fitness. Within 24 hours most horses get their head around it.

"He told me he had got his head around his situation too and that he was fine. I left the hospital in floods of tears. It was extraordinary."

Walk In The Mill: bought by Robert Alner, trained by his son-in-law Robert Walford and owned by Baroness Harding, is entered for the Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Alner's resilience was evidenced in the years that followed his accident. He and his wife Sally became the first couple to be granted a joint licence in Britain, which they gave up in 2010.

"I remember schooling horses several years ago," said Harding. "Robert was in his wheelchair with his two nurses in the middle of the field issuing instructions. It's unbelievable really. There he was still guiding the young horses and jockeys as he'd always done."

The final chapter of their story has not yet ended. Harding owns Grand National hope Walk In The Mill, who once again was bought by Alner and is trained by his son-in-law Robert Walford.

"I'd always wanted to ride in the Foxhunters' at Aintree and he would never let me take Cool Dawn," said Harding. "We eventually bought Unlimited Free, who gave me a great spin around there in 2004.

"For Walk In The Mill to be an Aintree specialist is quite ironic really but we're incredibly lucky to have him. Racing is all about dreams."

Harding's success in racing was inspired and facilitated by Alner, who was her jockey-coach, trainer and above all, a lifelong friend.

"Robert and Sally were my second family and I'm not alone in that. I grew up under their guidance," added Harding. "He was a trusted friend and always required you to be at your best. He was so wise."

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