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Former regional publishing chief executive dies aged 95

Sir GordonA former regional press chief executive who was also the founding chairman of the Racing Post has died aged 95.

Tributes have been paid to Sir Gordon Brunton, left, who was CEO of Thomson Newspapers & International Thomson Organisation Ltd from 1966 to 1984.

Sir Gordon was appointed chairman of the Racing Post in 1985, the year before the newspaper first published, and held that position until he resigned in 1997 after a deal was done to sell the paper to Trinity Mirror.

He also owned racehorses, including 1991 Ascot Gold Cup winner Indian Queen.

Brough Scott, who was instrumental in the Racing Post’s launch under funding from Sheikh Mohammed, told the newspaper: “Without Sir Gordon Brunton I doubt the Racing Post would have survived.

“He was quite magnificent and we were incredibly lucky to have someone with his profile in the newspaper world and enthusiasm for racing when we were all so inexperienced.

“He was incredibly thorough at our monthly board meetings and he was hugely supportive of myself and the rest of the team. He was good fun too.”

Sir Gordon is survived by widow Gill and children Mark and Jane.

He also had three children from a previous marriage.