Nigel Angus

Nigel James Angus was born on April 1 1944. He first rode in point-to-point races in 1961 and rode under NH rules until 1967.

Then, for two years, he was assistant to H E Whiteman at the Cree Lodge stables, Ayr.

In 1969, he began training on his own account.

Nigels's principal achievement as such was to win the Ayr Gold Cup in 1972 with Swinging Junior (which carried his own colours, chocolate and light blue (quartered), light blue sleeves and check cap) and again in 1975 with Roman Warrior (for Mr J Brown).

He also won Cheltenham's County Hurdle and the Timeform Silver Salver.

The best horses he trained were Alloway Lad, Carry Off and Masandra.

He did not renew his licence after the end of 1977, and became a farmer.

Aged 62, Nigel died unexpectedly but peacefully in Ayr Hospital after a long illness on 4 October 2006.

He was the younger son of Mr & Mrs R. L. Agus of Ladykirk and the brother of Penelope, Prue, and the late Robin.

His funeral service was held at Holy Trinity Church, Ayr, on 11 October 2006.