TRIBUTES have been paid to Norton-based trainer Malcolm Jefferson, who died this morning after a long illness, aged 71.

His daughter Ruth has taken over the licence at Newstead Cottage Stables in Norton, from where Mr Jefferson enjoyed numerous successes during a 37-year career.

In a statement, the family said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Malcolm Jefferson after a brave battle with cancer.

"Malcolm passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, February 2, with his wife Sue and children Clare, Rachel, Ruth and Jo at his side.

"We would like to thank everybody for the kindness and support they have given during recent months."

Mr Jefferson began his life in racing with the late Gordon Richards in Cumbria before moving to North Yorkshire and taking out his licence in 1981.

His first Cheltenham Festival winner came through Tindari in the Pertemps Final in 1994 before he claimed the Champion Bumper with Dato Star, who later became a top-class hurdler, in 1995.

Jefferson achieved a notable double in 2012 when Cape Tribulation and Attaglance won at both Cheltenham and the Grand National meeting.

Other notable successes came with Cape Tribulation in the Cotswold Chase (2013), Cyrus Darius in the Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree (2015), According To Pete won the Fixed Brush Hurdle and Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock, as well as the Rowland Meyrick, while Dato Star won the Fighting Fifth twice (1998 and 99) and the Christmas Hurdle (2000).

Howard Kinder, owner of Horsetown brewery, said on Twitter: "Sad to hear of the passing of Malcolm Jefferson who had been poorly for some time. May he now rest in peace. He will be sorely missed by the Malton racing community."