David Morley, the Newmarket-based trainer, has died. He was 58. Morley, whose string was based at High Havens Stables on Newmarket's Hamilton Road, is believed to have suffered a heart attack.

The handler was responsible for many winners in the colours of Hamdan Al-Maktoum, but his most successful horse during 1997 was undoubtedly Celeric, owned by his brother-in-law Christopher Spence.

Celeric won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot under an inspired ride from Pat Eddery.

Eddery, deeply saddened by the news, said: "He will be deeply missed. He was one of the nicest people you could possibly meet.

"He had been ill for some time but appeared to be doing all right. It is devastating news."

"The Gold Cup was one of the highlights of my season, particularly as it was a good winner for David," added the former champion jockey.

Angus Gold, racing manager to Sheikh Hamdan, also paid tribute to Morley, who saddled Fard and Hayil to win the Group One Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket for the Sheikh in 1994 and last year respectively.

Morley had trained for Sheikh Hamdan for the best part of a decade and Gold said: "It's awful - a terrible shock for all of us and particularly his family.

"We knew his heart wasn't the best but he had survived up until now and one hoped he would go on."