RACING INDUSTRY FIGURES PAY TRIBUTE TO ROSS McDONALD

* Clinton McDonald on Twitter

"Sad to say my father/mentor/mate passed away this morning at 6.00am. At peace now fought so hard so proud of him. We will (miss) u big man."

* Melbourne Racing Club chairman Mike Symons

"Ross was a terrific horseman and astute buyer of yearlings, highlighted by the number of elite horses and Group One winners he produced from a relatively small team at Caulfield. All of us at the Melbourne Racing Club, and the training community at Caulfield extend our sympathies to Marg, Clinton, and Ross's extended family and friends."

* Racing Victoria CEO Bernard Saundry

"The Victorian racing industry is deeply saddened at the passing of Ross McDonald who was a highly respected horseman and much loved character within our sport." - Racing Victoria CEO Bernard Saundry

* Racing NSW CEO Peter V'landys

"The racing industry has lost one of its great characters. Ross was a champion racehorse trainer and also a great bloke who achieved so much in his career in racing."

* Robbie Griffiths, president of the Victorian branch of the Australian Trainers' Association, on RSN radio

"Rosco, as everyone referred to him, was a larger than life character. He was a fantastic trainer, just a great guy and was a great supporter of everyone that was around him in racing. So it's a very sad day for all."

* Weekend Hussler's jockey Brad Rawiller on Twitter

"Deeply saddened by the news of Ross McDonald's passing after flying home from Hong Kong. True champion who I will never forget #adadtome #RIP."

* Sydney jockey Tommy Berry on Twitter

"My thoughts and prayers are with Mr McDonald's family. The list of beautiful people we have lost unfortunately goes on."

* Hall of Fame trainer Lee Freedman on Twitter

"More bad news with the passing of Ross (rosco) McDonald. Great horseman and genuine bloke. Love to Marg, Clinton and the rest of the family."