Former British Flat trainer John Winter died aged 70 in Newmarket on Tuesday night.
Michael Harvey, who is a cousin of Winter's widow Philippa, said: "John Winter died in Newmarket after complications following an illness. His condition had been deteriorating.
"His main owner was Dan Prenn, whose best horse was Balidar. He also trained for Lord Derby."
Balidar won nine races in his career, capped with victory in the 1970 Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp to be rated the best older sprinter in Europe.
He also saddled Folle Rousse to win the 1968 Prix Robert Papin at Maisons Laffitte for Prenn.
Winter's brother Fred was champion jump jockey and champion jump trainer.
Michael Swinburn, of Genesis Green Stud, married Winter's eldest daughter Nicola and said: "He was taken ill during the December sales and went into hospital with an infection and then he deteriorated."
Newmarket trainer William Haggas was quick to pay tribute to Winter, to whom he worked as assistant.
He said: "It is very sad. We shall miss him. He was a very kind and generous man.
"I was assistant to him for four years in the early eighties. I had a great time and became a close friend of the family.
"We had a little bit of success with the kit that we had."
Winter, who held a licence from 1965 to 1988, leaves a widow Philippa, a son Jonathan and two daughters, Nicola and Emma.
