THE region's horse racing community is in shock after the sudden death of a popular figure.

Peter Walton, 59, the husband of flat race and National Hunt trainer Kate Walton, who is based at Middleham, in North Yorkshire, died suddenly on Friday morning after collapsing while driving through Bedale.

He was taken to the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

A father-of-two, Mr Walton was well-known in racing circles and often helped out at his wife’s Sharp Hill Farm stables, as well as running his own private hire chauffer business.

In a message on her website, Mrs Walton paid tribute to her husband, who she described as her best friend.

She said: “He was one of the good guys in this world who always had time for everyone else, never ever said a bad word about anyone and never could say no.

"He was loved by everyone and I have been overwhelmed by the support and kind words from our family, close friends and beyond.

"Pete got an awful lot of enjoyment from the horses and would always ring our daughter Nicky before and after they ran to try and determine what mood I would be in and to see what he would be coming home to.

"I know he was proud of mine and the team achievements and got such a buzz from us having a winner.”

Mr Walton’s son, Sam, told the Racing Post that his death had come as a shock to the family, as he had not mentioned feeling unwell or being in any pain.

One of Mrs Walton’s horses, Rumble of Thunder, ran at Aintree on Saturday morning in tribute to Mr Walton and returned home with a win.

Mrs Walton said: “He ran in tribute to Pete and provided us with a small tonic. He would have been delighted for his owners as they are good friends and I hope he is looking down on us with a smile on his face.”