Legendary Irish trainer Vincent O'Brien, who dominated Flat racing in the late 1960s and 1970s, has died aged 92.

O'Brien trained three Grand National winners and his star chaser Cottage Rake won the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times between 1948 and 1950 before he turned his hand to the Flat, where he sent out six winners of the Derby.

During the 1970s, he and owner Robert Sangster, along with O'Brien's son-in-law John Magnier, established the Coolmore syndicate in County Tipperary and it was from his famous Ballydoyle stable that the trainer took the European racing scene by storm.

Larkspur (1962) and Sir Ivor (1968) had already given the Irishman successes in the Derby but it was Njinsky's win at Epsom in 1970 under Lester Piggott that will be arguably remembered for being his greatest triumph in the mile-and-a-half Classic.

The Canadian-bred son of the influential sire Northern Dancer had previously won the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket and went on to win the St Leger at Doncaster to become the last colt to win the Triple Crown.

Roberto (1972), The Minstrel (1977) and Golden Fleece (1982) brought O'Brien his other Derby triumphs and his son, David, also won the race with Secreto in 1984, beating his father's horse, El Gran Senor, by a short head.

Vincent O'Brien retired from training soon after winning the 1990 Breeders' Cup Mile at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, with Royal Academy, who was ridden by Piggott.

Aidan O'Brien, who is no relation to Vincent, was then employed by Coolmore to take over training responsibilities, and the Ballydoyle operation has continued to flourish on the Flat.

This year's Derby takes place on Saturday, in which Aidan O'Brien dominates the field with six of the 13 entries.

It is sure to be given extra poignancy following Vincent O'Brien's death.