IT was sad to read of the passing of ex-jockey Brian Fletcher, 69, who won the Grand National three times, the first one of which was on Red Alligator for the then local trainer Denys Smith who trained at Bishop Auckland.

He was held in high esteem by all who knew him and was oft referred to as an unsung hero.

I had the privilege to meet him on one occasion and he came across as a quietly spoken gentleman.

He rode hundreds of winners in his time and will be remembered by many as the unsung hero that he truly was.

Geoff Gregg,Tursdale.