Legendary trainer Barry Hills passes away aged 88

Irish Daily Mirror

28-06-2025

Barry Hills, a legendary figure in horse racing and one of the most successful trainers of his era, has passed away at the age of 88.
Hills began his illustrious career in 1969 and by the time he hung up his training boots in 2011, he had trained over 3,000 winners. His remarkable record includes two victories each in the 1000 and 2000 Guineas, a St Leger triumph with Moonax, and a Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe win with Rheingold.
The Hills legacy extends beyond Barry, as his sons Michael and Richard, both retired Classic-winning jockeys, have made their mark in the sport. Charlie, another son, took the reins at the family's Faringdon Place yard and has celebrated numerous big-race wins.
His eldest son, John, was also a successful trainer before his death from cancer in June 2014, with the pair memorably battling it out in the 1994 Leger, when Moonax fended off Broadway Flyer by a length and a quarter.
In a post on his X account, Charlie Hills said: 'Gone but will never be forgotten #dad.'
A statement from the British Horseracing Authority read: 'All of us at the BHA are saddened to learn of the death of Barry Hills and send our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.
'Barry's contribution to racing was immense and he will rightly be remembered as one of the great figures of our sport.'
Before taking out his training licence, Hills rode nine winners as an apprentice and spent 10 years learning his trade as head lad with John Oxley before striking out his own, saddling his first winner La Dolce Vita at Thirsk in April 1969.
His first Group One winner followed in 1971 while Rheingold's Arc victory in 1973 provided consolation after being beaten just a short head in the previous year's Derby – one of four Epsom runners-up for Hills, who never managed to land the blue riband.
Newmarket proved a happier hunting ground though, with Enstone Spark (1978) and Ghanaati (2009) landing the 1000 Guineas, while Tap On Wood (1979) and Haafhd (2004) prevailed in the 2000.
While Epsom Derby glory eluded him, Sir Harry Lewis won the Irish version in 1987 and he also bagged the Irish Oaks and 1000 Guineas twice during an illustrious career.
Hills announced his retirement in August 2011 after overcoming serious illnesses, including throat cancer, but he did make a brief return to training on a temporary licence in 2014 following the death of George.