The father of a University of Sussex student who died from meningitis won money at a horse race in her memory.

Natalie Naylor, 20, died after contracting the B strain of meningococcal meningitis in January this year.

The university sponsored the Natalie Naylor Memorial Maiden Fillies Stakes, which took place at Brighton Racecourse yesterday.

Graham Naylor, 48, of Wallington, Surrey, put £40 on the winning horse, Dami, ridden by Darryl Holland, at odds of 6-4.

Director of student services Charles Dudley said: "He had a win at the race today so it was appropriate.

"Natalie was very keen on equestrian sports and she was a keen racer before she came to university.

"The family also owns a racehorse so it was very appropriate to have today's event.

"There were a lot of people there who have been working closely with the family in the last few weeks so it was good to get everyone together."

Racecourse general manager Phil Bell said: "Mr Naylor told me they came here last year for a race with Natalie so it was fitting to be here again.

"We were happy to help towards such a good cause."

Natalie died two days after being admitted to hospital near her home in Wallington, Surrey.

In February, friends of Natalie, who was studying international relations, launched a yellow ribbon campaign to fund research in her memory.

The Natalie Naylor Trust Fund was set up by her parents following her death and will be used to help develop treatment for meningitis.

A women's rugby match was organised in April to raise funds for the trust.

More than 400 people said farewell to Natalie at her funeral in her home town in February.

Mr Naylor, a computer specialist, told mourners Natalie was ambitious and had been considering a career as a diplomat.

He said: "She had thought about law and journalism too. She was inquisitive and had a great sense of justice."

The tragedy came only three years after Natalie's mother Christine, 49, fought breast cancer.

Among the cards of condolence received by her family was one from Buckingham Palace, where she worked last summer.

Natalie was a member of a women's rugby team, did ballet and and had been paintballing with the extreme sports club.

Her father said today: "Natalie would have been there with me at the race.

"We often used to pick the same horses and she would have backed it with me.

"It was great it was in Natalie's race.

"Natalie's brother James was given £10 by a friend to bet with and he said all the winnings would go to the trust.

"One of the horses James put it on was the winner so that was another nice touch and will help the fund."