'One of the good blokes': Tributes pour in for Group 1 winning trainer Steve Richards after tram fall death

The horse racing industry is mourning Group 1 winning trainer Steve Richards after he died on Wednesday.

The 70-year-old was hospitalised last Thursday after reportedly falling while stepping off a tram in Melbourne.

He was rushed to hospital with head injuries and doctors placed him in an induced coma.

READ MORE: Gus agrees 'embarrassing' Origin scene must change

READ MORE: Blues greats grill debutant who 'doesn't take it personally'

READ MORE: Prince roars as Villa snap 44-year European drought

Racenet reports he died on Wednesday as a result of the injuries.

His family had put out a statement on Monday.

"The family of Steven Richards wish to announce that Steve had a serious accident and is hospitalised. He is in a coma," it read.

"The incident occurred last Thursday. Steve fell and hit his head on the pavement.

"He is in the intensive care unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and under the constant monitoring of the medical team.

"We are very grateful to the ambulance and hospital team, whose fast reaction and constant care have not only brought comfort to the family, but saved Steve."

Tributes began flooding in across social media on Thursday morning.

Richards was a popular trainer around Flemington.

His breakthrough career win came in the 1990 Group 1 Futurity Stakes with Ark Regal. The same horse won the Group 3 Waterford Crystal Mile.

Richards' other Group 1 victory came with Rostova in the 2010 Sportingbet Classic.

He also trained Blazing Sword who went on to sire several Group 1 winners.

Richards was lucky to survive an incident in 2016 when one of his horses kicked him with two feet, resulting in his spleen being removed as well as broken ribs and damaged lungs.

"If he had kicked me a little bit higher, I wouldn't be talking to you. I regard myself as extremely lucky," Richards said at the time.