Aldaniti and Bob Champion overcame the odds to win the Grand National
PICTURE: Daily MirrorChampion pays tribute to 'wonderful' Josh Gifford
BOB CHAMPION, who rode Josh Gifford's most famous winner of them all, the 1981 Grand National hero Aldaniti, led the tributes to his former boss who died on Thursday aged 70.
Gifford, who stood by Champion when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and his subsequent fight to regain his health, was praised by the ex-rider for his loyalty and patience - which was typified by his handling of the fragile Aldaniti.
"He was a great jockey, a fantastic trainer, and a wonderful man," Champion said on Thursday. "It's very sad news. Loyalty was one of his special qualities. He was exceptionally loyal to all of his jockeys.
"What I'll always remember about Josh is how good he was after you came in at the end of a really bad day. He would just keep giving you confidence - he never moaned - and was great to ride for."
Former stable jockey Declan Murphy partnered many of Gifford's star names, such as Bradbury Star.
He said on Thursday: "Josh lived horse racing. It was his life. He had tremendous passion for the sport. He loved horses. I've never seen another trainer show such pride as Josh did in a horse winning a race."
Respect for Gifford also flowed from the training ranks on Thursday with Paul Nicholls describing him as "one of the all-time greats", while Richard Rowe also paid tribute.
Nicholls said: "It's terribly sad. He was a top man. I worked for him for three years and actually rode some winners for him. He was a lot of fun to be around and I've kept in touch with him from time to time.
"He helped me a lot with advice when I was getting started and I learned so much in my time working for him. For me he is one of the all-time greats and he'll be missed terribly."
Josh Gifford: fondly remembered
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)Rowe added: "He was a hero as far as I'm concerned and we had many great times together. I left school at 16, spent my whole riding career with him and he has been a friend ever since.
"He has been like a father to me. I actually popped in to seehim last week and he was in great form. True to form I left three and a half hours later after just popping in to say 'Hi'.
"He was a true gent, I've never met anyone who would say otherwise, you couldn't wish to meet a better man. My thoughts are with his wonderful family in such tough times."
Gifford's place in racing folklore through the exploits of Aldaniti was trumpeted by BHA chairman Paul Roy, who added: "Josh Gifford was one of the individuals and characters who form the granite on which National Hunt racing is built.
"Notwithstanding his outstanding record both in the saddle and as a trainer, it is Aldaniti's National that he may well be best remembered for.
"In preparing Aldaniti to win, Josh played an unforgettable role in one of the greatest stories racing ever told, for which the sport will always be grateful."
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