A MAN who was respected by his peers, jockeys and trainers was one of the tributes paid to award-winning photographer Alec Russell.

Alec, who was also a racing columnist with the Gazette & Herald, died on February 27, aged 85. His funeral service was held at East Riding Crematorium, Octon, on Monday.

Alec, who lived in Norton with his wife, Shirley, initially enjoyed photography as a hobby, but after doing some work for local theatres, he branched out into racing and made it a full-time career for more than 65 years.

His first piece, in what was The Yorkshire Herald - now the Gazette & Herald - was a write-up about the history of the St Leger, which featured in the week of Friday, September 5, 1952.

Racing colleague Geoff Greetham said Alec was always last minute, often joining the photographer’s stand after the horses had set off.

“Alec always had two cameras and two rolls of film set up, but always remained as cool as a cucumber in any circumstances and constantly worked to the highest standard,” he said.

“His career had come full circle when he started writing a column for the Gazette & Herald and he enjoyed every minute of that right up to the end of his life.

“Alec was constantly working and had a natural affinity with people.

“No-one ever had a bad word to say against him.

“He was also a family man and very proud of his three children, Jo, David and Allan.

“Alec was at the forefront of his profession for over half a century.

“He was a first class photographer who adapted to the many changes in photography. His images are an important part of the history of sport.”

David Russell, Alec’s eldest son, said his father loved to travel and enjoyed golf and fishing holidays to Scotland.

“He loved all sport and was a talented artist. He had an immense record collection and both him and mum loved going to concerts,” he added.

“We recently found out that the words on the Russell family crest was ‘Que Sera, Sera’, which was quite appropriate for a Doris Day fan and as it means ‘what will be will be’ for Dad’s nature. He was always someone whose glass was always half full and never half empty.”

A poem read out by one of Alec’s granddaughter Lucy Hughes, The Picture of Horse written by Mary Ann Sandercock, said of Alec, “Respected by peers, jockeys and trainers, and holding a very special place on the course, skill, experience, knowledge and patience, unfailingly portraying a perfect picture of a horse.”