Peter Chapple-Hyam has expressed his sadness after hearing of the death of Rodrigo De Triano, describing him as the best horse he has trained.

The Japanese Racing Association confirmed the five-time Group One winner, raced by the late Robert Sangster, died of pneumonia, aged 25.

Rodrigo De Triano stood at stud in Japan after his retirement 22 years ago during which time he sired Japanese Oaks winner Erimo Excel.

The son of El Gran Senor won nine of his 13 races, with his most noteworthy achievement coming at Newmarket in May 1992, when he landed the 2000 Guineas under Lester Piggott.

Two weeks later he again combined with Piggott to take the Irish Guineas at the Curragh.

"Without a shadow of a doubt, he was the best horse I've ever trained, and the best horse I probably will train," Chapple-Hyam said.

"He wasn't very big, but he was unbelievably tough and he had an unbelievably big heart.

"He meant so much to me and I was privileged to have been with him throughout his career.

"I didn't think his death would affect me quite like it has done. I'm actually quite upset about it and will raise something in his honour tonight."

Sangster's son, Sam, believes the exceptional chestnut deserves to take the highest rank at Swettenham Stud, where he was bred.

"He was a horse that really started Pete's career off with a real bang," Sangster said.

"He was a great horse who was held very dearly to the heart of my father.

"To win five Group Ones, including the Guineas and the Juddmonte, was some achievement.

"There are paintings of him all over our houses and, with a CV like that, he was definitely amongst the best we have ever had."