Mikey Heaton-Ellis, who trained at Barbury Castle, Wiltshire, died yesterday aged 41. He had been suffering with motor neuron disease for some time. Heaton-Ellis rode as an amateur rider over jumps between 1977 and 1981 when he partnered 11 winners. In 1982 he broke his back in a riding accident and had been confined to a wheelchair ever since.

The trainer, who first took out a licence in 1991, enjoyed considerable success with horses like Speedy Classic and Lord High Admiral. Heaton-Ellis set out on the road to become a trainer with John Dunlop in 1985 and the Arundel trainer was quick to pay tribute to his former assistant. He said: "It is very, very sad news. He had more than his fair share of problems but he was a very resolute young man."