SIR Henry Cecil, one of the world's most successful horse racing trainers, has been described as "some man" as tributes flood in following his death.

Sir Henry, 70, who was born in Aberdeen, passed away at a private hospital in Cambridge after long suffering with cancer, with his staff told after they finished their morning stables routine.

Fellow trainer Sir Michael Stoute led the tributes to his contemporary, who had been at the helm of the legendary Warren Place stables, which is associated with some of the greatest jockeys.

Sir Michael said: "I do not believe this country has ever produced a better trainer than Henry. I know there has never been one so loved.

"And then there was his toughness and courage which had to be seen to be believed as he continued to supervise the training of his horses. Some man."

Sir Peter O'Sullevan, former BBC Racing commentator, said Sir Henry has had a "very rare common touch".

"I think as a trainer he was best described by one of his charming owners Jim Joel as a man with green fingers for horses. That was a perfect definition of his amazing empathy with the horse."

Between 1976 and 1993, Sir Henry was a 10 times champion trainer, and over the course of his career won 25 Classics with jockeys including Kieren Fallon, Joe Mercer and Lester Piggott.

He later enjoyed a stunning revival as the trainer of the unbeaten Frankel, arguably one of the greatest racehorses ever .

Fallon said: "He was a legend. My first year with him, I was champion jockey. We had a great rapport and he will be sadly missed. I think Frankel will be on everybody's mind, the way he trained that horse."