TRIBUTES have been paid to former Whitcombe trainer Toby Balding who has passed away aged 78.

During his time at Whitcombe, Mr Balding trained Cool Ground to his famous Gold Cup victory in 1992.

He was instrumental in shaping the early years of jockey Tony McCoy and Adrian Maguire, and trained two winners of the Grand National at Aintree - Highland Wedding in 1969 and Little Polveir in 1989.

He also won the Champion Hurdle with Beech Road in 1989 and Morley Street in 1991.

Whitcombe, between Weymouth and Dorchester, was built by property developer Peter Bolton, who had plans for it to become the leading training centre.

But after a succession of trainers, including Richard Mitchell, Reg Akehurst, Gay Kelleway, David Elsworth and Roland O'Sullivan, the yard lay empty for nearly a decade.

The complex is now owned by Liz Nelson with Jo Crowley the resident trainer.

Brother of Mill Reef's trainer Ian and uncle of current leading trainer Andrew and of presenter Clare, Toby Balding retired from the training ranks in 2004.

Born in the United States in 1936, he was awarded an OBE by the Queen in 2011 for services to horse racing.

His daughter Serena Geake said: ''He was a great man, who loved life, horses and people.''

Tony McCoy said he had lost his ''ultimate mentor''.

He tweeted: ''Tonight I cried when I heard the news my old boss and friend Toby Balding had died, we had great times together.

''He was my ultimate mentor. RIP.''

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls also added his condolences on Twitter.

He said: ''So sad to hear of the passing away of Toby Balding. Wonderful man who will be missed by so many. RIP.''

Fellow trainer Jonjo O'Neill said: ''Very saddened at the news of Toby Balding's passing. My thoughts are with his family.''

Richard Johnson, often runner-up to McCoy in the jockeys' title race, said: ''Very sad news about the death of Toby Balding, a great trainer and gentleman. Sad day for his family and racing.''

The Jockey Club tweeted: ''Saddened to hear about Toby Balding, who holds a special place at the heart of the sport. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.''

Top Flat trainer Roger Charlton added: ''I was so sorry to hear that Toby Balding had passed away. RIP.

''What a lovely man and always so kind, good company and cleverer than most.''

Jockey Steve Drowne said: ''So sad to hear Toby Balding has passed away, massive influence not only on my career but my life as well.”

'Brilliant trainer but even better human being'

Clare Balding hailed a ''brilliant trainer but an even better human being'' after her uncle, Toby, died aged 78 on Thursday.

The renowned trainer, older brother of Classic-winning handler Ian Balding, claimed the Aintree showpiece with Highland Wedding in 1969 and Little Polveir in 1989 during a remarkable career over jumps and on the Flat.

His niece, broadcaster Clare Balding tweeted this morning: ''It's been a long time since I cried myself to sleep but I did last night in memory of a warm-hearted, funny, generous man who saw the best in every person and every horse.

''Uncle Toby was a brilliant trainer but an even better human being.

''Everyone loved him.''