A £93 million legacy is thought to the biggest ever in Sussex.

Sporting legend, Douglas Bunn, the colourful founder of the famous All England Show Jumping Course at Hickstead, left the giant amount in his will.

Mr Bunn, 81, had a reputation as a party animal and a shrewd businessman.

Now figures released by the Probate Office show that after settling his affairs and outstanding debts paid, he left a net amount of £93,480,641 It is not known who will inherit the fortune but he is survived nine children and two former wives.

His third wife Lorna Kirk died before him.

Six of the Bunn children help with the day-to-day running of the showground but declined to speak to The Argus yesterday.

A spokesman for Hickstead said that the family did not wish to comment on the legacy, but added “I did ask them for a fiver”.

London solicitors Speechly Bircham have been handling Mr Bunn’s estate, after probate was granted to Neil Winston Benson OBE and solicitor Frank Haddock.

Known as the Master of Hickstead or Duggie(COR), Mr Bunn was regarded as a central figure in showjumping after building and opening the home of the sport at Hickstead.

He trained as a barrister but his love of showjumping occasionally intruded and sometimes he appeared in court with breeches and riding boots beneath his gown.

He earned a reputation as impulsive and controversial through frequent appearances in gossip columns.

After his death in June last year following a short illness, friend and former editor of Horse and Hound, Michael Clayton said: “Douglas had flair and originality for making horse sports fun for the spectator and offered a new challenge to the competitor.

“He relished controversy and was never afraid to break new ground. His contribution was unique.”