FORMER Irish-based trainer Matthew McMillan died in the early hours of Sunday morning at his son Cameron's home in London at the age of 77.

Scottish-born McMillan moved to Ireland with his family as a teenager, before setting up as a trainer at Castleknock in County Dublin.

At the age of 24 McMillan landed the biggest success of his career when winning the Irish Cambridgeshire with the filly Cool Choice in 1956.

McMillan also sent Cool Choice out to dead-heat in the then Champion Plate with the Captain Rogers-trained Roman Nettle. He enjoyed success during his 12 years training with the likes of Strange Conflict, Cool Chance, Winking Abbot, Brogeen Oir, Shamrogeen and Hiland Chef.

His son Cameron said on Monday: "During dad's long life he maintained a great interest in horse racing and got tremendous enjoyment from all of his friends in the sport."

The funeral is intended to be held on Friday at St Peter's Church, Two Mile House, Naas.

R.I.P.