ON a personal note, Harold’s passing leaves a very large hole. I will miss much about the man but nothing more so than his sincere belief that success is there for everyone willing to make the effort.

His enthusiasm for the horse was infectious, his eye for detail and professionalism unparalleled. Always there to advise and guide and never knowingly caught without an opinion, he was an ever-present source of information, counsel, wit and kindness – always accompanied by his trademark linguistic gymnastics.