A leading figure in horse training circles, Eric Ropiha, has died.
Mr Ropiha, of Ngati Kahungunu, died at Palmerston North hospital on Friday, aged 88 years.
Eric Ropiha trained 535 winning horses, and received an Order of New Zealand Merit for his services to the equine industry.
A horse racing personality, Des Coppins, says everyone in the horse industry knew Mr Ropiha, and will be feeling his loss.
Mr Coppins says he was one of the more iconic trainers, and was a generous man who passed his skills on to others.
Eric Ropiha is lying at rest at Motuiti Marae in Foxton in Manawatu, until his burial on Tuesday at the Paranui Family Cemetery.
