Tragic Michael set to be laid to rest in home-town

Three weeks ago, Michael, who was 54, was discovered dead in the Suffolk stables where he was working.

He had hit the headlines in 2014 and 2015 when the horses he was looking after, Kingman and Golden Horn, had a stirng of victories, including the Epsom Derby and the Prix De l’Arc Triomphe, under trainer John Gosden.

His family, mum Lily and brother Welsh, arranged to bring him home to Galashiels to lay him to rest.

However, with social distancing plans still in place, not all his family and friends will be able to pay their respects in the cemetery.

Welsh said: “Michael’s funeral is on Thursday at Eastlands Cemetery at 1.30pm.

“We are only allowed 10 people in the cemetery, but if anyone wants to pay their respects they can do by standing at the gates.

“Also I want to thank everyone for their support and kind words at this extremely difficult time for us.”

Michael was a popular member of staff in the stables, and his friends down south are also paying their respects in their own way.

They plan to dress up in bright colours and put in place a memorial plaque on a tree at Warren Hill Gallops in Newmarket the following day at 1.30pm.