By Paul Jones

Dai Burchell, a revered former trainer and one of the most colourful characters in Welsh horse racing, has died at the age of 87.

Burchell, who hailed from Ebbw Vale, achieved remarkable success in his career, overseeing the training of over 400 winners from his small stables on a windswept hillside above the Gwent town.

Before dedicating himself to training horses, he had worked in the steelworks of Ebbw Vale.

So many wonderful tributes today to retired Welsh trainer Dai Burchell who has passed away. The thoughts of the team @FfosLasRC are with Ruth and the family. pic.twitter.com/7ZS5TSkIC4

— Ffos Las Racecourse (@FfosLasRC) March 3, 2024

His journey in the racing world began in the 1950s as a jockey before transitioning into the role of a trainer.

In January 2022, on the eve of his retirement, Burchell celebrated his final triumph as Good Impression clinched victory at Uttoxeter, marking a poignant conclusion to his illustrious career.

Chepstow Racecourse, where Burchell had a career-long association, paid tribute on social media, writing: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of former trainer Dai Burchell – a great character in Welsh racing. RIP.”

We are saddened to hear of the passing of former trainer Dai Burchell – a great character in Welsh racing. RIP. We named a race to mark his retirement in 2022 and Dai was photographed afterwards with winning jockey @PaddyBrennan81. Our thoughts are with Ruth his family. pic.twitter.com/ahQDeEepq1

— Chepstow Racecourse (@Chepstow_Racing) March 3, 2024

Ffos Las Racecourse posted: “So many wonderful tributes today to retired Welsh trainer Dai Burchell who has passed away. The thoughts of the team @FfosLasRC are with Ruth and the family.”

Current top Welsh trainer Evan Williams was among those to pay tribute to Burchell, whose son, also named Dai, worked for the trainer.

After 50 Years, 435 Winners, And One Windy Welsh Hillside, The Legendary Dai Burchell Bows Out

Williams said: “He had been poorly in hospital for some time and I understand he passed away in the early hours of this morning. He was somebody who all of us in Wales have known and respected for a long time.

“He forged a living out of a hillside where many of us would have struggled to do anything, let alone what he achieved. He was a tough and uncompromising character but we all had great respect for him and what he was able to do.”

Burchell is survived by his wife Ruth and five children.

Dai Burchell Honoured By Chepstow As Trainer’s Final Furlong Is In Sight