A RACEHORSE trainer and writer left more than £418,000 in his will, according to figures released by the probate office.

Jamie Douglas-Home, 61, shot himself dead at his home in Lockinge, near Wantage, on May 8 after suffering months of depression.

The 28th Baron Dacre trained racehorses in the 1970s and 80s, before becoming racing correspondent for Racing Post and Country Life.

He also wrote for The Field, and later, The Oldie.

His uncle, the 14th Earl of Home, gave up his title, becoming Sir Alec Douglas-Home and then Prime Minister in 1963.

His father was the playwright William Douglas-Home.

Jamie Douglas-Home left a gross estate of £435,568 and after his outstanding affairs were settled, this was reduced to £418,437.

He was born in Scotland, educated at Eton and then Bristol University, and began riding for trainer Bill Wightman before becoming assistant to Peter Walwyn.

He set up his own stables in Oxfordshire in the 1970s, and in 1979 he married trainer’s daughter Christine Stephenson, who went on to be secretary and right-hand woman to top horse trainer Henrietta Knight for 27 years.

Mr Douglas-Home wrote several books, but friends said he never completely recovered from the death of his wife in 2008.

His sister discovered his body at his home.

He is survived by his daughter Emily. Probate was granted to his relative Tara John Douglas-Home.

An inquest into his death is due to take place at Oxfordshire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.

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