BHB Chairman Peter Savill said: “Robert was a truly special man – wonderfully generous and gentle, a lover of the good things in life and a wicked storyteller. Whether as a partner in golf or horses he was forever easy-going, sporting and fun. A chapter in racing’s history has sadly closed.”

BHB Chief Executive Greg Nichols said: “Robert Sangster was not only a doyen of British racing and breeding but a trailblazer for the sport in Australia, which he helped to revolutionise and elevate. He initiated the concept of shuttle stallions and also won many top races in Australia, including the Melbourne Cup. He was a statesman of international racing and breeding and will be missed greatly.”