RICHARD Aston, one half of the highly respected Goldford Stud team, has died, aged 68, after a battle with cancer. With his wife Sally, he was a regular at Irish National Hunt sales. He bred Grand National winner Rule The World, multiple Grade 1 winner Riverside Theatre, and the top-class Cruising Altitude. Goldford Stud in Cheshire sold Shishkin, Cue Card, and Empire Of Dirt.

Simon Kerins, CEO of Tattersalls Ireland, said: “Richard was a warm, engaging and considered man who knew the industry inside out. He always made time for you, regardless of your perceived standing in the industry. I can’t believe he was gone, having spoken to him in person at the Dublin Racing Festival.”