Burglars took Grand National and Champion Hurdle trophies from the home of Mr Rimell's widow in Ryall, near Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire.

Jewellery, including Mrs Rimell's engagement ring, were also stolen in the burglary on Monday evening.

The thieves ransacked rooms before they were disturbed. They are thought to have run off toward the River Severn.

Mr Rimell, who died in 1981, trained four Grand National winners, a feat only equalled this year by Ginger McCain.

He started his run of success with E.S.B. in 1956, then followed that up with Nicolaus Silver (1961), Gay Trip (1970) and Rag Trade (1976).

'Sentimental value'

Among the jewellery taken in the robbery were a diamond ring specially commissioned by Mr Rimell for his wife and a diamond brooch, in the shape of a horse, presented to Mrs Rimell by a grateful owner when her husband trained his horse to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Police said the thieves also took three equestrian trophies Mrs Rimell had won as a girl and which held "great sentimental value" to her.

A spokesman for south Worcestershire police, said: "We would very much like to hear from anyone who saw any unusual or suspicious activity in the vicinity of Ryall on Monday evening, or who spotted a car being driven away rapidly from fields, lanes or tracks near Ryall or the Severn at Upton.