Grand National winner Michael Scudamore dies, aged 81

Michael Scudamore won the 1959 Grand National on board Oxo

Former jockey and trainer Michael Scudamore - a Grand National winner whose son Peter was an eight-time champion rider - has died aged 81.

Scudamore rode Oxo to victory at the 1959 National, having won the 1957 Cheltenham Gold Cup on board Linwell.

Son Peter won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup twice, in addition to four Welsh Nationals and two Scottish Nationals.

One grandson, Michael junior, is a trainer based in Herefordshire, while another, Tom, is a professional jockey.

Scudamore's final ride came at Wolverhampton in 1966 and he moved into training following his retirement.

A Mackeson Gold Cup win at Cheltenham with Bruslee in 1974 was one of the highlights of Scudamore's training career, which ended in 2008 when he handed over to his grandson Michael.

Grandson Michael paid tribute, saying: "A huge thank you for everyone's kind words. Our feelings at the moment are of huge pride. To have known him, spent time with him and listened to his wonderful stories and to have been able to call him Grandad."

Tom Scudamore added: "He was the original and the best. I wish I was half the jockey and most importantly half the man. Respected and loved by all who knew him. 'Keep a leg either side and keep on kicking.' Michael Scudamore RIP."

Top trainer David Pipe wrote on his Twitter page: "So sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Scudamore Snr. Thoughts are with the whole Scudamore family."