Coaching legend Barry Hills dies aged 88 | Racing Information
Barry Hills, one of many biggest trainers of his era, has died on the age of 88.
Hills was additionally father to retired Basic-winning jockeys Michael and Richard, whereas son Charlie took over on the household’s Faringdon Place yard and has loved a string of big-race victories. One other son, George, is concerned in bloodstock insurance coverage.
His eldest son, John, was additionally a profitable coach earlier than his dying from most cancers in June 2014, with the pair memorably battling it out within the 1994 Leger, when Moonax fended off Broadway Flyer by a size and 1 / 4.
In a put up on his X account, Charlie Hills mentioned: “Gone however won’t ever be forgotten #dad.”
A press release from the British Horseracing Authority learn: “All of us on the BHA are saddened to be taught of the dying of Barry Hills and ship our deepest condolences to his household and mates at this unhappy time.
“Barry’s contribution to racing was immense and he’ll rightly be remembered as one of many nice figures of our sport.”
Earlier than taking out his coaching licence, Hills rode 9 winners as an apprentice and spent 10 years studying his commerce as head lad with John Oxley earlier than placing out his personal, saddling his first winner La Dolce Vita at Thirsk in April 1969.
His first Group One winner adopted in 1971 whereas Rheingold’s Arc victory in 1973 offered comfort after being overwhelmed only a brief head within the earlier 12 months’s Derby – one in every of 4 Epsom runners-up for Hills, who by no means managed to land the blue riband.
Newmarket proved a happier searching floor although, with Enstone Spark (1978) and Ghanaati (2009) touchdown the 1000 Guineas, whereas Faucet On Wooden (1979) and Haafhd (2004) prevailed within the 2000.
Whereas Epsom Derby glory eluded him, Sir Harry Lewis gained the Irish model in 1987 and he additionally bagged the Irish Oaks and 1000 Guineas twice throughout an illustrious profession.
Hills introduced his retirement in August 2011 after overcoming critical diseases, together with throat most cancers, however he did make a short return to coaching on a brief licence in 2014 following the dying of John.