Sir Henry Cecil has died at the age of 70, said a statement posted on the Newmarket trainer’s official website.

Responsible for 25 British Classic winners and crowned champion trainer 10 times, Cecil was also the leading handler by some way at Royal Ascot with a record 75 successes.

Knighted by the Queen in 2011, his later years saw him battle cancer but were illuminated by the great Frankel, officially the best horse in the world and unbeaten in 14 starts before retirement.

A statement posted on www.sirhenrycecil.com read: “It is with great sadness that Warren Place Stables confirms the passing of Sir Henry Cecil earlier this morning.

“Following communication with the British Horseracing Authority, a temporary licence will be allocated to Lady Cecil.

“No further update is anticipated this afternoon.”

In a statement, Newmarket Racecourses said: “Everyone at Newmarket Racecourses is hugely saddened to hear the news that Sir Henry has passed away and our thoughts are very much with Lady Cecil and all of the family.

“He was a much-loved gentleman of our sport and his winners were always hugely well received at both the Rowley Mile and the July Course.

“In total, he had no less than nine 2000 and 1000 Guineas winners - more than any other trainer from the modern era.

“These successes, along with the many others he had at the highest level, will ensure he is remembered as one of the greats of his profession.

“Those of us at Newmarket Racecourses were lucky enough to regularly come into contact with Sir Henry and his kindness and willingness to help were greatly appreciated by us all.

“Only earlier this spring, he attended a meeting to offer his thoughts and advice regarding our race programme.

“We, like so many others, will miss him very much and will never forget just how much he contributed to the sport of racing, not least here at Newmarket Racecourses.”

- See tomorrow’s papers for more