Highly regarded former Wingatui trainer Arthur ``Mick'' Didham died in Dunedin yesterday aged 86.
Didham was a successful jockey before becoming a prolific trainer of winners.
He rode his first winner, Dearo, at Beaumont in 1945 and saddled the last of his more than 300 winners as a trainer in 2002.
Golden Sam was one of his best horses, winning Riccarton's Inter-Island race in 1972 before successfully campaigning in Australia, where he finished fourth in the 1973 Melbourne Cup. Didham produced Foxy to win the Cranbourne Cup the same year.
Other talented types he trained included Shewetta, Noble Pal, Royal Estate and Carpenter.
Mick's father, Arthur (senior), was a successful trainer and jockey and his brother Midge won the 1970 Melbourne Cup on Baghdad Note.
His granddaughter, jockey Courtney Barnes, continues the family's legacy.
Didham's funeral will be held in Mosgiel on Saturday.
