Multiple Group One winning trainer trainer Ross McDonald has died in Melbourne after a long illness.

An accomplished equestrian and horse breaker before turning his hand to training, McDonald's accomplishments include two Caulfield Cups with Tristarc in 1985 and Imposera in 1988.

In 1989 he trained Courtza to win the 1989 Blue Diamond-Golden Slipper double.

More recently, McDonald prepared Weekend Hussler, the winner of six Group One races and the Horse of the Year for the 2007/08 season.

McDonald underwent multiple heart bypass surgery earlier this year.

His son and fellow trainer Clinton announced the news of his father's death on Twitter.

"Sad to say my father/ mentor / mate passed away this morning at 6.00am. At peace now fought so hard so proud of him .We will (miss) u big man," he said.

-Source AAP

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