THE local harness racing fraternity is reeling with shock at the recent death of Jimmy Hamblett, a popular owner, trainer and breeder of Standard-breds.

Based at Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, Jimmy and his wife, Eileen, have been familiar figures at every meeting in the region for two decades. Jimmy topped the area tables as leading owner in 2002 with his prolific winners, Cam Dancer and Inez Gale. The homebred Inez Gale had delighted the couple by taking the Leading Horse award in the 2001.

The funeral took place earlier this week at Forest Church, Drybrook, where, poignantly, Jimmy had married Eileen almost 50 years ago.

Described by everyone who knew him as 'a real gentleman', Jimmy will be sorely missed, particularly by his constant companion, Eileen, daughters Dawn and Jane, and five grandchildren

But Jimmy's legacy of excellence as a Standardbred breeder will live on through the stock produced from his well-known winning mares, Inez Patrol and Teela Taurus.