TRIBUTES continue to be paid to the popular greyhound trainer Harry Attwater, who died in hospital after collapsing at Poole Stadium during a race meeting at the weekend.

The 79-year-old from Hordle, near Lymington, died on Saturday night with his son at his bedside.

Races were abandoned at the stadium after paramedics worked on Mr Attwater in full view of shocked spectators.

Bookmaker Martin Johnstone said: “Harry, who bred his own dogs using the Caloona prefix, was one of the nicest and most genuine people in the game. Everyone is in deep shock.”

Stadium manager Shaun Spencer-Perkins, who described Mr Attwater as ‘extremely well-liked by everyone at the track’, said that everyone was still feeling “raw” about the tragedy.

With the family’s permission, there will most likely be a future race meeting dedicated to Mr Attwater’s memory, he said.

Meanwhile, tributes have been flooding into the Daily Echo from members of the public who were at the stadium.

One spectator said: “It’s very sad. We were there and it seemed that the paramedics were doing all they could, but apparently in vain.

“The meeting was abandoned shortly after.”

Another said: “RIP Harry. Condolences to his family.

“He did go doing what he loved so I hope that that is a comfort to them.”

The Bournemouth Coroner has been made aware of Mr Attwater’s death, but will not release any more details unless an inquest is opened and adjourned.