Tributes to ex-race horse trainer Wally Carter

A former race horse trainer who moved to Wellington on retirement has died in hospital aged 75.

Wally Carter, of Cound Close, died on Wednesday after a heart attack.

The trainer was born in South Shields in 1936 and when he retired in 2000 he moved to Wellington.

Mr Carter joined a stables near Marlborough when he was 14.

He then worked for 13 years in stables owned by Mr George Todd before moving to Kingsclere with Captain Peter Hastings.

He was then head lad to Brian Swift when he set up the Lorretta Lodge stables near Epsom. Mr Carter was trainer to the stable's new owner Terry Mills, gaining his trainer's licence in 1988.

When he retired Mr Carter and his wife, Judy, moved to Wellington where he volunteered with Meals on Wheels for several years.

Mr and Mrs Carter celebrated their golden anniversary two years ago. Mrs Carter said: "He was a very cheerful man and he was generous.

"He worked hard every day and when we moved to Wellington he wanted to do something so volunteered with the Meals on Wheels service which he enjoyed.

"He seemed to talk to anybody. He was a friendly man."

He is survived by two daughters and four grandsons.

Brian Mason, a neighbour and friend, said: "He was a very kind and genuine man and had a deep love of all sports. We will miss him very much."

The funeral will take place at Leatherhead crematorium.