Walter Swinburn, one of the most renowned jockeys of his generation and rider of the brilliant Shergar, has died, aged 55.
Nicknamed the 'Choirboy', Swinburn partnered Shergar to glory in the 1981 Derby at the age of 19, one of three winners for him in the Epsom Classic alongside Shahrastani (1986) and Lammtarra (1995).
Many other big-race successes around the world adorned his CV before his retirement in 2000.
Swinburn took over the training licence from his father-in-law, Peter Harris, in November 2004, sending out over 260 winners from his Hertfordshire base before handing in his licence at the end of October 2011, citing financial reasons.
Harris confirmed the shock news. He said: "I've been in Scotland all day and got home this evening and all I know is that he has died. I don't know any more details at the moment."
Newmarket-based James Fanshawe was assistant to Shergar's trainer Michael Stoute when Swinburn was the stable's number one rider, and described him as a "brilliant jockey".
"Walter and I were at Michael Stoute's together and he was a brilliant jockey," said Fanshawe, now a successful trainer in his own right.
"Obviously he won the Derby in 1981 at the age of 19 and won the Derby two more times, but he had the most sympathetic pair of hands as a rider. He was a real horseman and was good on the most difficult of horses.
"We worked there together for seven years."
The top-class miler Zilzal was another major Swinburn winner, with their successes including the Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.
Fanshawe said: "Not many people could have ridden Zilzal. He was a brilliant horse, but had a fiery nature. Walter was brilliant on those sort of horses.
"His big-race record would stand comparison to anyone."
Swinburn won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on the filly All Along in 1983 for Patrick Biancone, while the Breeders' Cup Turf came his way with the Stoute-trained Pilsudksi in 1996.
He landed the 1000 Guineas with Musical Bliss (1989), Hatoof (1992) and the majestic Sayyedati in 1993, with his 2000 Guineas success coming through Doyoun (1988).
Shegar won the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in his Derby year and Swinburn twice tasted victory in the Irish Derby, courtesy of Shareef Dancer in 1983 and Shahrastani in 1986
In 1987 he again teamed up with Stoute on the biggest stage to claim the Oaks aboard Unite 1987.
The racing world was quick to take to Twitter to pay tribute, with AP McCoy writing: "Very sad to hear about the death of Walter Swinburn. Brilliantly stylish & a genius in the saddle. A jockey that God hath retained. RIP."
Very sad to hear about the death of Walter Swinburn. Brilliantly stylish & a genius in the saddle. A jockey that God hath retained. RIP
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) December 12, 2016
Weighing-room veteran Steve Drowne said: "Shocking and sobering news of Walter Swinburn the owner of talent that most jockeys can only dream of #ripwally."
Trainer Richard Hannon said: Terribly sad news to hear the passing of Walter Swinburn. One of the best we have seen. Thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Former rider Michael Hills said: "Devastated to hear about Walter Swinburn, great friend, wonderful times, Genius in the saddle. Thoughts are with his family. Gone too soon."
