John Webber dies

John Webber, who trained Auntie Dot, Elfast and many other exciting steeplechasers, died yesterday at the age of 69.

Webber died peacefully at his home in Mollington, near Banbury, after a short illness. He left a wife, Diana, and four children Anthony, Paul, Teresa and Sarah. After riding in point-to-points as well as under Rules, then a training career spanning 38 years as a permit holder and fully licensed trainer, Webber had planned to hand over the reins of his operation to Paul at the end of this year. There will be a family funeral on Thursday.