Howe, who held a training licence for more than 60 years, died at a nursing home on Thursday night. He was 82.

While largely known for preparing jumps horses, Howe also enjoyed success on the flat, training dual group 1 winner King Phoenix.

Born in New Zealand, Howe began training in 1952 in Awapuni after a short stint as a jockey when he rode more than 30 winners.

He then migrated to Australia in 1968 to expand his training career and set up his base in Mornington.

The following year he won the Grand National Hurdle with Brother Bart and the Grand National Steeplechase with Summer Flight.

Another of Howe's biggest achievements was winning the group 1 1981 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield at the long odds of 66-1.

Cardinal Courage was also a favourite of Howe's, with a win in the Cranbourne Cup among the highlights.

Among Howe's owners were Sir Henry Bolte, VRC chairman Sir Rupert Steele and Sir Reginald Ansett.

Howe's son, Barry, said his father had lived life how it was meant to be and described him as a terrific horseman. "He was called one of nature's gentlemen," he said. "He trained a lot and was an all-round trainer - he was one of the old school."

Mornington Turf Club chief executive Fraser Bayne, who did not know Howe personally, said the trainer had a stellar reputation in racing circles.

"From what everyone says he was a likeable gentleman around town," he said. "It is said that he always had a lolly in his pocket for the kids - he was just that sort of guy."

Barry Howe said his father would not want to be mourned but rather remembered fondly. "We're not having a funeral - we're having a celebration of his life."