Former trainer Roger Fisher, fondly remembered for his handling of smart two-mile hurdler Ekbalco, died on Monday, aged 69.
Ekbalco's handler passes away after illness
Former trainer Roger Fisher died on Monday, aged 69, trainer Jimmy Moffatt said on Tuesday.
Fisher, who was based in Ulverston, Cumbria, will be most fondly remembered for his handling of superb two-mile hurdler Ekbalco.
Other smart horses included Kristenson, Aonoch, Run And Skip, Stoic Leader and Beckermet.
Fisher, who was also a successful businessman, took out a licence in 1977, but retired in May due to health reasons after he was treated for an abscess on the brain in February.
Fellow Cumbrian Moffatt, whose father, Dudley, was Fisher's assistant for eight years, said: "He had been very poorly for a long time, but this is a very sad day.
"I have known the family for 35 years and they are lovely people.
"Dad moved to set up on his own as a trainer when I was 12, but our families were always close and have remained in touch."
Hurdling star
Ekbalco was one of the best two-mile hurdlers of the early 1980s, winning the Bula Hurdle, the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, the Christmas Hurdle, the Welsh Champion Hurdle and the Imperial Cup.
Moffatt added: "Dad and Roger were like two peas out of the same pod and were responsible for some brilliant horses, especially Ekbalco, who was a hell of a machine.
"Roger started from a market stall in Barrow and built his way up. He came from nothing and was a self-made success story.
"He was a very tough businessman and a great man.
"We only live around 15 miles away and our thoughts are with his family."
Fisher is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and his two sons, Ben and John.
