Trainer John Honeyball, the man who tamed The Dikler, dies aged 85

John Honeyball, a popular trainer known for his talent in managing difficult horses, has died aged 85 after a long battle with dementia.

Honeyball was best known for breaking in and training the notoriously difficult The Dikler to win a point-to-point. The Dikler went on to win the 1973 Gold Cup for Fulke Walwyn and used to return to Honeyball for eight weeks in the summer.

His son, trainer Anthony Honeyball, said: "My father was best known for The Dikler and being a great horseman. The Dikler was a difficult horse, he went to Tim Forster for a bit but came back as he was too boisterous. Father taught him, got him to win a point-to-point and he went on to much bigger things with Fulke Walwyn.

The Dikler: winner of the 1973 Cheltenham Gold CupCredit: Gerry Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"Dad was respected for his talent, he could help any horse out and he got sent difficult horses from plenty of top yards. He loved three-mile chasers and would have a handful of winners each year.

"He was a good people person and he always had immaculate manners. In my career he loved to see me do well as a jockey and a trainer and like any parent he would drop everything and always support me."

The funeral is at 11am on Thursday, October 10 at Broomfield Church, Somerset.