Grand National-winning trainer Josh Gifford has died of a heart attack at the age of 70, his son Nick confirmed on Thursday.
Gifford, who had only recently returned home from hospital after suffering from septicaemia, will forever be remembered for Aldaniti's stirring victory at Aintree in 1981 after his jockey Bob Champion recovered from cancer.
Gifford's son, Nick, who took over from his father at his Findon yard in West Sussex, confirmed the sad news.
"I'm afraid he passed away in the early hours," he said.
Riding Legend
Before starting his training career, Gifford was an accomplished jockey and was crowned champion on four occasions.
He had four Cheltenham Festival successes and finished second in the 1967 Grand National on Honey End behind the legendary winner Foinavon.
Gifford had his first ride as a 12-year-old and his first winner came two years later in 1956 on Trentham Boy on the Flat. His first winner over jumps was at Wincanton in 1959.
As well as winning the National with Aldaniti, Gifford trained top-quality horses such as Door Latch, Deep Sensation, Bradbury Star and Katabatic.
He trained over 1,500 winners in his career.
His son, Nick, added: "He'd been back home for about three weeks but he took a turn for the worse yesterday evening.
"By the early hours he was in a really bad way and in the end it was a heart attack."
Champion was indebted to Gifford for supporting him during his illness and for sticking by him when he returned to the saddle
"He was a great jockey, a great trainer and a great man," said Champion.
"He was so loyal to his jockeys."
Gifford, who was 70, and Champion were featured in the film 'Champions' that immortalised the Aldaniti story.
Champion was played by the actor John Hurt, and the theme tune to the film is used as part of the BBC's current National coverage.
Champion and Aldaniti were awarded the BBC's Sports Personality Team of the Year title in their National year.
Paying his tribute, champion jockey Tony McCoy tweeted: "Very sad to hear that Josh Gifford trainer & former champion jockey passed away this morning a great man my thoughts are with his family RIP."
Top Irish jockey Barry Geraghty also paid his respects. He tweeted: "Very sad to hear that Josh Gifford passed away overnight a great Trainer and former Jockey, thoughts are with his Family RIP."
#RIP
