Popular northern trainer and farrier Tommy Cuthbert dies

Tommy Cuthbert, who spent more than 30 years as a racecourse farrier in Scotland and northern England while also acting as a successful dual-purpose trainer, has died.

Cuthbert, who was born in Dundee but grew up in Selkirk in the Scottish Borders and spent much of his life at Warwick Bridge near Carlisle, started out as a permit holder over jumps.

"He trained a lot of winners as a permit holder, so the Jockey Club approached him and asked if he'd like to go for a full licence," explained Cuthbert's daughter Helen, who has ridden seven winners on the Flat as an amateur.

"For much of the time he trained mostly jumpers, but I prefer the Flat and he liked it too, so we gradually moved that way in later years."

Perhaps Cuthbert's best-known horse was Exalted, who won a good handicap at Hamilton in April 2000 under Dale Gibson. He won a further three times on the Flat and twice over hurdles for the yard.

Tommy Cuthbert with Exalted after his win at HamiltonCredit: John Grossick

Cuthbert also showed his skill in handling Edas, who raced until he was a 14-year-old in 2016. However, Cuthbert was at least as well known on the northern circuit for his work beyond training.

"He had a successful business selling shavings and paper to racecourses," Helen said. "Plus he was, at one time, the farrier at all the Scottish tracks and a lot of those in the north."

Until his death, Cuthbert was still employed as farrier at Perth, Musselburgh, Carlisle, Hexham and Newcastle.

James Armstrong, clerk of the course at two of those courses, led the online tributes, tweeting: "Very sad news to hear of the shock passing of our racecourse farrier Tommy Cuthbert at both Newcastle & Hexham. Thoughts are with his family & friends. A regular friendly face on the Northern & Scottish tracks."

Cuthbert is survived by his wife Joyce and children Carol, who rode as a professional over jumps, Helen and David.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com