BRADFORD-born businessman and leading racehorse owner Sir Robert Ogden has died at the age of 86.

Born in Wibsey in 1936, the eldest of six children, the proud Yorkshireman built a fortune after completing two years’ national service.

Having started a demolition and site clearance business, he created an empire through quarrying, mining and moving into the property development business on a huge scale.

He became one of the first to spot the potential of developing the London Docklands, but despite his wealth – he was worth £153 million according to the 2020 Sunday Times Rich List – he never forgot his roots and was a generous donator to charities in Yorkshire, notably those connected to palliative care for cancer.

For 20 years the Ogden Group was based at Boston Hall in Boston Spa.

The grade two-listed Georgian house, which was built in 1807, was sold to the Yorkshire and England cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott in 2013 and the group moved to offices in the centre of Harrogate.

The company, which also manufactured equipment used in engineering, quarrying and mining, was founded by Robert and his brothers Joseph, Victor and John. Their success was crowned with the Queen’s Award for Industry.

The financial rewards of his highly successful business empire allowed Ogden to indulge in his passion for racing and he became a leading racehorse owner.

Ogden, who disliked publicity and rarely spoke to the media – except about his charity work – lived at Sicklinghall Stud, although he spent winters abroad with his wife, Ana.

He was knighted in 2001 for his charity efforts, which include the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre in Harrogate and the Robert Ogden School at Thurnscoe, with his philanthropy also including university scholarships for youngsters from poor backgrounds.

In business, his attention turned to property development, and he owned shopping centres in Leeds and Harrogate.

Ogden is survived by his second wife Lady Ana Ogden, and two sons Adam and Robert from his first marriage.