This weekend the racing world mourned Terry Biddlecombe.

The champion jockey, husband of trainer Henrietta Knight and one of the sport’s most charismatic figures died yesterday.

Tonight we discussed Biddlecombe's legacy with Johnny Ward of the Racing Post, who described a very colourful character.

"He was a great character by all accounts. I was speaking to a colleague of mine today and he recalled his manner of riding. He came across as an amateur but had a real drive in the saddle. He was a big guy with a big mop of hair and attracted a lot of attention. People grew to love him and he was unlucky not to win a Grand National."

His relationship with Henrietta Knight also drew much attention.

"They were described as the original odd couple. She was an ex-schoolteacher and stern type of lady. In an article I read, he was described as an "ex-alcoholic" - whatever that is. He was a man who drank quite a lot in his life. He really lived life to the full, a great guy to chat with and a great guy to work with," said Ward.

He also cast his eye over 21-year-old Bryan Cooper who had his first win as the Gigginstown House retained rider at Thurles.

"Cooper really came to prominence when he rode three winners at Cheltenham last March. He had been prominent in the Irish racing psyche and got a great job with Dessie Hughes. From an early age he looked like he could go to the top. You'd be hard pressed to say that Davy Russell is any better than him right now."

Bryan Cooper ©INPHO/James Crombie

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Main image: Best Mate, winner of The Cheltenham Gold Cup, with trainer Henrietta Knight and her husband Terry Biddlecombe at their stables the day after the horse won the main race at The Cheltenham Festival in 2002 ©INPHO/Getty Images