Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Oxford trainer Jim Morgan.

Genial Jim, 86, underwent heart bypass surgery in the last 12 months, but sadly died on Tuesday evening.

One of the few Oxford trainers to have guided a classic winner when Perth Pat won the Oaks at Harringay in 1970, Jim was at Cowley for more than 40 years and he also trained Gay Kathy to the Oaks final.

A straight-talking guy who took no prisoners, he preferred greyhounds to people and there was no-one better at his craft.

Well known in breeding circles, countless litters came from his Burwood kennels near Worminghall, to the envy of many in the sport.

The good news is that the Morgan family connection will remain at Cowley. They will continue to run the business side, while Johnny Mayo, assistant to Jim for the last 16 years, has been granted a temporary trainer's licence.

Fellow trainer Tony Magnasco said: "Jim was like a father to me. He taught me the ropes and up until recently I always sought his advice. He was a top bloke and would help anyone out. I will miss him badly."

Mayo said: "It's been quite an experience working with Jim, both as a kennel-hand and assistant. He always had time for me and any others who needed help.

"He knew more about pups than anyone, even Nikki Savva needed help now and again."

Oxford racing manager Gary Baiden said: "Jim was a legend here at Cowley - a pleasure to work with and very well respected."

Former racing manager Mick Wheble also paid tribute, saying: "I worked with Jim for 15 years and he trained greyhounds as they should be trained.

"He never held any grudges and was a true professional who could teach some of the younger trainers a thing or two.

"He was once up before the stipendary steward at Oxford and after waiting for some time for him to appear, got fed up and gave me his cheque book, saying 'just fill in the amount of the fine, I have to get back to my dogs'. I had the utmost respect for him."

The funeral will take place at Oxford Crematorium on Thursday. October 26 at 12.45pm.

The family have requested no flowers, instead donations to the Oxford Retired Greyhound Trust would be welcomed.

Former Oxford trainer Jack Coker has also died. He was at Oxford in the 70s and 80s and will be remembered for training Young Breeze into third place in the Derby at White City behind Indian Joe.

Nick Colton's brief flirtation with Midlands track Coventry has ended after less than two months.

The former Oxford champion trainer has now joined GRA track Hall Green.

Another former Oxford trainer, Alan Stevens, has decided to boycott Sittingbourne after claiming their track caused too many injuries to his dogs.