Latest news with #LittleOwl
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Five star performers for trainer Peter Easterby
Alverton A typical Easterby type in that he was precocious enough to be good on the Flat, finishing second in the 1976 Ebor, and hardy enough to be even better over jumps. Winner of the Arkle Trophy in 1978, he successfully stepped up in distance to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following year. It was close between him and Tied Cottage at the final fence where the Irish horse fell, leaving Alverton to coast home in the snow and mud. He started favourite for the Grand National in the same year and was going easily when suffering a fatal fall Becher's Brook on the second circuit. Goldhill Easterby may be better known for training stayers and jumpers, but it was the sprinter Goldhill that first put him on the map. After winning the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1963, Goldhill would have gone there for the King's Stand Stakes in 1964 but the meeting was abandoned due to waterlogging. However, he put the record straight when taking the five-furlong feature in 1965. Coincidentally, Goldhill retired to stud and became a successful stallion, most notably siring dual Champion Hurdle winner Comedy Of Errors. Little Owl Little Owl led home a one-two for Easterby in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1981 when denying his stablemate Night Nurse. The trainer picked up Little Owl for 2,300 guineas and the sky appeared to be the limit when he captured the big prize at the tender age of seven on only his fifth start over fences. It was not to be, though, as he was badly hit by a virus and was never anywhere near his best form again. Night Nurse A good Flat career was expected from this son of Falcon, but though he won a Ripon maiden at the age of three, it was over jumps that he made his name, winning 32 of his 64 races over obstacles. He was 'all heart', according to Easterby, and was one of the star turns in a golden era. He won the Champion Hurdle in 1976 and 1977 and in the latter year dead-heated with Monksfield, giving him 6lb, at Aintree. He also gave his all over fences and recovered from a bad injury to go down by only a length and a half to Little Owl in the Gold Cup in 1981. Sea Pigeon Sea Pigeon had been a good horse on the Flat for Jeremy Tree and over hurdles when with Gordon Richards, but became a great one under Easterby's guidance from early 1977. His exploits under both codes are legendary and it was his burst of speed that stood him out from the rest. A dual Chester Cup hero and memorable winner of the Ebor, it was his four consecutive appearances in the Champion Hurdle that are perhaps most fondly remembered. Second in 1978 and 1979, he finally lifted the prize in 1980 and repeated the trick the following year at the age of 11 under a vintage John Francome ride.
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Five star performers for trainer Peter Easterby
Alverton A typical Easterby type in that he was precocious enough to be good on the Flat, finishing second in the 1976 Ebor, and hardy enough to be even better over jumps. Winner of the Arkle Trophy in 1978, he successfully stepped up in distance to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following year. It was close between him and Tied Cottage at the final fence where the Irish horse fell, leaving Alverton to coast home in the snow and mud. He started favourite for the Grand National in the same year and was going easily when suffering a fatal fall Becher's Brook on the second circuit. Goldhill Easterby may be better known for training stayers and jumpers, but it was the sprinter Goldhill that first put him on the map. After winning the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1963, Goldhill would have gone there for the King's Stand Stakes in 1964 but the meeting was abandoned due to waterlogging. However, he put the record straight when taking the five-furlong feature in 1965. Coincidentally, Goldhill retired to stud and became a successful stallion, most notably siring dual Champion Hurdle winner Comedy Of Errors. Little Owl Little Owl led home a one-two for Easterby in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1981 when denying his stablemate Night Nurse. The trainer picked up Little Owl for 2,300 guineas and the sky appeared to be the limit when he captured the big prize at the tender age of seven on only his fifth start over fences. It was not to be, though, as he was badly hit by a virus and was never anywhere near his best form again. Night Nurse A good Flat career was expected from this son of Falcon, but though he won a Ripon maiden at the age of three, it was over jumps that he made his name, winning 32 of his 64 races over obstacles. He was 'all heart', according to Easterby, and was one of the star turns in a golden era. He won the Champion Hurdle in 1976 and 1977 and in the latter year dead-heated with Monksfield, giving him 6lb, at Aintree. He also gave his all over fences and recovered from a bad injury to go down by only a length and a half to Little Owl in the Gold Cup in 1981. Sea Pigeon Sea Pigeon had been a good horse on the Flat for Jeremy Tree and over hurdles when with Gordon Richards, but became a great one under Easterby's guidance from early 1977. His exploits under both codes are legendary and it was his burst of speed that stood him out from the rest. A dual Chester Cup hero and memorable winner of the Ebor, it was his four consecutive appearances in the Champion Hurdle that are perhaps most fondly remembered. Second in 1978 and 1979, he finally lifted the prize in 1980 and repeated the trick the following year at the age of 11 under a vintage John Francome ride.
Rhyl Journal
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Five star performers for trainer Peter Easterby
Alverton A typical Easterby type in that he was precocious enough to be good on the Flat, finishing second in the 1976 Ebor, and hardy enough to be even better over jumps. Winner of the Arkle Trophy in 1978, he successfully stepped up in distance to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup the following year. It was close between him and Tied Cottage at the final fence where the Irish horse fell, leaving Alverton to coast home in the snow and mud. He started favourite for the Grand National in the same year and was going easily when suffering a fatal fall Becher's Brook on the second circuit. Goldhill Easterby may be better known for training stayers and jumpers, but it was the sprinter Goldhill that first put him on the map. After winning the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot in 1963, Goldhill would have gone there for the King's Stand Stakes in 1964 but the meeting was abandoned due to waterlogging. However, he put the record straight when taking the five-furlong feature in 1965. Coincidentally, Goldhill retired to stud and became a successful stallion, most notably siring dual Champion Hurdle winner Comedy Of Errors. Little Owl Little Owl led home a one-two for Easterby in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1981 when denying his stablemate Night Nurse. The trainer picked up Little Owl for 2,300 guineas and the sky appeared to be the limit when he captured the big prize at the tender age of seven on only his fifth start over fences. It was not to be, though, as he was badly hit by a virus and was never anywhere near his best form again. Night Nurse A good Flat career was expected from this son of Falcon, but though he won a Ripon maiden at the age of three, it was over jumps that he made his name, winning 32 of his 64 races over obstacles. He was 'all heart', according to Easterby, and was one of the star turns in a golden era. He won the Champion Hurdle in 1976 and 1977 and in the latter year dead-heated with Monksfield, giving him 6lb, at Aintree. He also gave his all over fences and recovered from a bad injury to go down by only a length and a half to Little Owl in the Gold Cup in 1981. Sea Pigeon Sea Pigeon had been a good horse on the Flat for Jeremy Tree and over hurdles when with Gordon Richards, but became a great one under Easterby's guidance from early 1977. His exploits under both codes are legendary and it was his burst of speed that stood him out from the rest. A dual Chester Cup hero and memorable winner of the Ebor, it was his four consecutive appearances in the Champion Hurdle that are perhaps most fondly remembered. Second in 1978 and 1979, he finally lifted the prize in 1980 and repeated the trick the following year at the age of 11 under a vintage John Francome ride.
Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Former trainer Peter Easterby dies, aged 95
Peter Easterby, who famously trained the likes of Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse, has died at the age of 95. A member of one of the most famous racing families in Yorkshire, he trained with great success on the Flat and over jumps before retiring in 1996. He was succeeded by his son, Tim, while his brother Mick still shares a licence today with his own son, David, with many other members of the family involved in racing. Tim Easterby announced on X: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my father Peter Easterby. "He passed away peacefully in his own home with his family by his side. "A true gentleman, legendary racehorse trainer, passionate farmer, lover of country sports and an incredibly proud father and grandfather." Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse were both dual Champion Hurdle winners, while Easterby also won two Gold Cups with Alverton in 1979 and Little Owl in 1981. Proving his versatility, Easterby sent out Sea Pigeon to win the Ebor off top weight and the Chester Cup twice, while Night Nurse finished second to Little Owl in the Gold Cup, narrowly failing to become the first horse to win the two biggest prizes at the Cheltenham Festival. Saucy Kit was another Champion Hurdle winner in 1967 for Easterby and for a time his five wins in the race were a record. His notable Flat triumphs included the Kings's Stand Stakes with Goldhill, the Gimcrack with Sonnen Gold, two Lincolns and three Ayr Gold Cups. Easterby sent out over 2,500 winners during his lengthy career and Tim Easterby is still based at Habton Grange. Jonjo O'Neill was crowned champion jockey twice in 1977-78 and 1978-79 with the help of Easterby and he was aboard Alverton for his Gold Cup success and Sea Pigeon for his 1980 Champion Hurdle win. "We had some great times together, he was great man to ride for and we were very lucky together — you could say we were a good partnership," said O'Neill. "He was a great man and a great trainer, what he did with the likes of Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse — their longevity was incredible. And to win a Gold Cup with Alverton, he didn't have great legs. "It's hard to pick out one particular race. I think the best thing you could say was that he could train a horse to win over five furlongs or 25 miles. He was just a genius and a great man to ride for. "He just understood the game and understood horses, he had a great eye for them and made it easy for everyone. He was brilliant, there was always another day in his eyes." O'Neill missed the 1981 Cheltenham Festival through injury and John Francome was called up to replace him on the then 11-year-old Sea Pigeon when he produced an ice-cool ride that went down in history. Francome said: "I saw Tim (Easterby) last Thursday up at Malton at Jack Berry's do and he said he wasn't very well then, but he was an amazing guy. "It's amazing to train 1,000 winners on the Flat and jumping, you never saw him when he wasn't smiling, he was as sharp as a tack and lovely with it — he was a charming man." Reflecting on Sea Pigeon's 1981 Champion Hurdle triumph, Francome added: "Jonjo broke his leg really badly in a fall at Bangor, so I got the call. "Peter was always relaxed. I remember going in the paddock at Cheltenham and saying 'how is he?' because I'd never ridden him out or anything, and Peter just said 'he's better than he was last year' and he was absolutely right. "I never sat down and discussed it with him. He trained him, he was the best horse and that was it. "He was an easy horse to ride and the best horse in the race by some way." Mick Easterby hailed the many training accomplishments of his brother via his website and concluded by saying: "Peter touched the lives of so many people. He will be greatly missed by the family and the many friends he made both in the racing and farming communities."
North Wales Chronicle
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Former trainer Peter Easterby dies aged 95
A member of one of the most famous racing families in Yorkshire, he trained with great success on the Flat and over jumps before retiring in 1996. He was succeeded by his son, Tim, while his brother Mick still shares a licence today with his own son, David, with many other members of the family involved in racing. Tim Easterby announced on X: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my father Peter Easterby. Everyone at Great British Racing is saddened to learn of the passing of legendary trainer, Peter Easterby, at the age of 95. The pioneer of one of British Racing's great dynasties, his pursuit of excellence will no doubt be continued by the generations to follow. Our thoughts… — Great British Racing (@GBRacing) June 9, 2025 'He passed away peacefully in his own home with his family by his side. 'A true gentleman, legendary racehorse trainer, passionate farmer, lover of country sports and an incredibly proud father and grandfather.' Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse were both dual Champion Hurdle winners, while Easterby also won two Gold Cups with Alverton in 1979 and Little Owl in 1981. Proving his versatility, Easterby sent out Sea Pigeon to win the Ebor off top weight and the Chester Cup twice, while Night Nurse finished second to Little Owl in the Gold Cup, narrowly failing to become the first horse to win the two biggest prizes at the Cheltenham Festival. Saucy Kit was another Champion Hurdle winner in 1967 for Easterby and for a time his five wins in the race were a record. His notable Flat triumphs included the Kings's Stand Stakes with Goldhill, the Gimcrack with Sonnen Gold, two Lincolns and three Ayr Gold Cups. Easterby sent out over 2,500 winners during his lengthy career and Tim Easterby is still based at Habton Grange. Jonjo O'Neill was crowned champion jockey twice in 1977-78 and 1978-79 with the help of Easterby and he was aboard Alverton for his Gold Cup success and Sea Pigeon for his 1980 Champion Hurdle win. 'We had some great times together, he was great man to ride for and we were very lucky together – you could say we were a good partnership,' said O'Neill. 'He was a great man and a great trainer, what he did with the likes of Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse – their longevity was incredible. And to win a Gold Cup with Alverton, he didn't have great legs. 'It's hard to pick out one particular race. I think the best thing you could say was that he could train a horse to win over five furlongs or 25 miles. He was just a genius and a great man to ride for. 'He just understood the game and understood horses, he had a great eye for them and made it easy for everyone. He was brilliant, there was always another day in his eyes.' O'Neill missed the 1981 Cheltenham Festival through injury and John Francome was called up to replace him on the then 11-year-old Sea Pigeon when he produced an ice-cool ride that went down in history. Francome said: 'I saw Tim (Easterby) last Thursday up at Malton at Jack Berry's do and he said he wasn't very well then, but he was an amazing guy. 'It's amazing to train 1,000 winners on the Flat and jumping, you never saw him when he wasn't smiling, he was as sharp as a tack and lovely with it – he was a charming man.' Reflecting on Sea Pigeon's 1981 Champion Hurdle triumph, Francome added: 'Jonjo broke his leg really badly in a fall at Bangor, so I got the call. 'Peter was always relaxed. I remember going in the paddock at Cheltenham and saying 'how is he?' because I'd never ridden him out or anything, and Peter just said 'he's better than he was last year' and he was absolutely right. 'I never sat down and discussed it with him. He trained him, he was the best horse and that was it. 'He was an easy horse to ride and the best horse in the race by some way.' Mick Easterby hailed the many training accomplishments of his brother via his website and concluded by saying: 'Peter touched the lives of so many people. He will be greatly missed by the family and the many friends he made both in the racing and farming communities.'
