FORMER champion trainer Peter Walwyn has died at the age of 84.

Walwyn, intrinsically linked with the village of Lambourn which is now one of the major training centres in England, is likely to be best remembered for his handling of the brilliant Grundy.

Having won the Irish 2000 Guineas and Derby as well as the Derby at Epsom in 1975, he went on to defeat Bustino in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, a race which is widely regarded as the best of the century.

Grundy's era coincided with Walwyn's best years as he was champion trainer in 1974 and 1975.

He became chairman of the Lambourn Trainers Association in 1989 before retiring from training in 1999 and was appointed an honorary member of the Jockey Club. He was also awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2012 for his services to horseracing.

The current chairman of the LTA, Merrick Francis, once a trainer himself and son of former jockey and author Dick Francis, said: "He's been 'Mr Lambourn' all his life, really.

"Basically he formed the association many years ago and it is thanks to him that we have what we have today.

"Even at the very end he was ringing me up and checking I was doing things properly - it's very sad news.

"He's been 'Mr Lambourn' all his life and achieved an almighty amount. He was even responsible for the signs that say 'Lambourn - Valley of the Racehorse' when you drive into the village.

"It's a very sad passing."

He added: "I went to see him a couple of weeks ago, he'd had a few minor strokes over the last few years but he was able to sit up and watch racing every day, he still took a keen interest and always made sure I was on top of things. He looked very well."

Other major races which went Walwyn's way included the Oaks with Polygamy in 1974 and the 100 Guineas in 1970 with Humble Duty.

Walwyn's cousin, Fulke, was also a trainer. Walwyn took out his own licence in 1960 and in 1965 moved to Seven Barrows, currently the home of champion trainer Nicky Henderson.

Trainer Charlie Hills, son of Lambourn stalwart Barry Hills, wrote on Twitter: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Peter Walwyn. He was an amazing man, a real trail blazer in his profession and a huge friend to the village of Lambourn.

"It's hard to put into words how much he will be missed."