MICHAEL Cullen, the New Ross trainer, will be laid to rest on Friday following 12pm funeral Mass in St Anne's Church, Rathgarogue, Co Wexford. Aged 67, he died at home on Monday, surrounded by family. He had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease less than two years ago.

His best known winners included American Jennie, Carrig Millie and Bella Mana Mou. American Jennie won the Pat Taaffe Handicap Chase at the 2007 Punchestown Festival and also a Grade 3 chase and a listed chase. She finished third and fourth in two runnings of the Irish Grand National and went on to breed Grade 2 winner American Mike.

His first job in racing was with Danny Kinane in Tipperary. He became head man for Padge Berry and also worked for Bannow Rambler’s breeder John White before moving to Britain where he worked for trainer Mark Bradstock.

On his return to Ireland he trained for Paddy Heffernan before acquiring his own premises. He was regarded as a very good judge of a horse and, accompanied by his wife Ann, was a regular fixture at the bloodstock sales.

He is survived by his Ann, brother Sean, sister Marion and their mother, Elizabeth (Les).