Popular former trainer Tom Pickett died last week following a lengthy illness. A former West Ham kennel boy who handled top hurdler Blue Sands for trainer ‘Appy’ Appleton, Tom later took out a license in his own name and trained at Canterbury, Rye House, Henlow and Milton Keynes. He produced a number of open racers, the best remembered would possibly be Fergus Bramley, Nippy One and Snugborough Rose.

Tom later handed on the licence to daughter Donna who enjoyed big races successes with Lyons Double and Silverhill Sue.

The funeral will take place at Basildon Crematorium at 12.40pm on Wednesday September 14.