Latest news with #RichardHills
Western Telegraph
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Western Telegraph
Barry Hills remembered as ‘one of the greats'
Hills sent out over 3,000 winners throughout his career, with many coming in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell operation, whom his son Richard Hills rode as retained rider for during a large portion of his career. Father and son joined forces to win the 2000 Guineas with Haafhd in 2004, while five years later they added the 1000 Guineas in unison thanks to Ghanaati, with Shadwell's long-serving racing manager Gold hailing Hills' dedication to his craft following many years spent in the upper echelons of the training ranks. Richard Hills celebrates after riding Haafhd to victory in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket (Chris Radburn/PA) He said: 'For many, many years we were lucky enough to have horses with him and what a great man, you don't need me to tell you the success he made of his life and career. 'He was a great trainer who was totally dedicated and lived for the sport. He was an incredibly shrewd man and a great judge of a horse and their capabilities from just watching them on the gallops. 'He was a fascinating man to be with and great fun. He was one of the greats in my lifetime and I learned a lot from him and even a month ago he was spotting things out on the gallops and still loved it even though he had given up the licence.' 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, before returning to background at the family's Faringdon Place yard. Ghanaati and Richard Hills after winning the 1000 Guineas (Sean Dempsey/PA) However, as the head of a dynasty that is still influential in racing, his name will live on through the exploits of his sons, with Charlie Hills now continuing the Group One success synonymous with the famous Lambourn operation. 'He was a remarkable man and we were lucky to have him for so long, he was so tough,' continued Gold. 'He had been ill on and off for so long, it was just incredible his will to live and enthusiasm for life, a truly wonderful man. 'All five boys were heavily involved. Sadly John died and then you've the twins (Richard and Michael) who everyone obviously know all about and then there's Charlie who trains and George who is making a fine career out in America, so it is a dynasty that will live on, there is no question about that.'
South Wales Argus
28-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Barry Hills remembered as ‘one of the greats'
Hills sent out over 3,000 winners throughout his career, with many coming in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell operation, whom his son Richard Hills rode as retained rider for during a large portion of his career. Father and son joined forces to win the 2000 Guineas with Haafhd in 2004, while five years later they added the 1000 Guineas in unison thanks to Ghanaati, with Shadwell's long-serving racing manager Gold hailing Hills' dedication to his craft following many years spent in the upper echelons of the training ranks. Richard Hills celebrates after riding Haafhd to victory in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket (Chris Radburn/PA) He said: 'For many, many years we were lucky enough to have horses with him and what a great man, you don't need me to tell you the success he made of his life and career. 'He was a great trainer who was totally dedicated and lived for the sport. He was an incredibly shrewd man and a great judge of a horse and their capabilities from just watching them on the gallops. 'He was a fascinating man to be with and great fun. He was one of the greats in my lifetime and I learned a lot from him and even a month ago he was spotting things out on the gallops and still loved it even though he had given up the licence.' 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, before returning to background at the family's Faringdon Place yard. Ghanaati and Richard Hills after winning the 1000 Guineas (Sean Dempsey/PA) However, as the head of a dynasty that is still influential in racing, his name will live on through the exploits of his sons, with Charlie Hills now continuing the Group One success synonymous with the famous Lambourn operation. 'He was a remarkable man and we were lucky to have him for so long, he was so tough,' continued Gold. 'He had been ill on and off for so long, it was just incredible his will to live and enthusiasm for life, a truly wonderful man. 'All five boys were heavily involved. Sadly John died and then you've the twins (Richard and Michael) who everyone obviously know all about and then there's Charlie who trains and George who is making a fine career out in America, so it is a dynasty that will live on, there is no question about that.'
Glasgow Times
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Barry Hills remembered as ‘one of the greats'
Hills sent out over 3,000 winners throughout his career, with many coming in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell operation, whom his son Richard Hills rode as retained rider for during a large portion of his career. Father and son joined forces to win the 2000 Guineas with Haafhd in 2004, while five years later they added the 1000 Guineas in unison thanks to Ghanaati, with Shadwell's long-serving racing manager Gold hailing Hills' dedication to his craft following many years spent in the upper echelons of the training ranks. Richard Hills celebrates after riding Haafhd to victory in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket (Chris Radburn/PA) He said: 'For many, many years we were lucky enough to have horses with him and what a great man, you don't need me to tell you the success he made of his life and career. 'He was a great trainer who was totally dedicated and lived for the sport. He was an incredibly shrewd man and a great judge of a horse and their capabilities from just watching them on the gallops. 'He was a fascinating man to be with and great fun. He was one of the greats in my lifetime and I learned a lot from him and even a month ago he was spotting things out on the gallops and still loved it even though he had given up the licence.' 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, before returning to background at the family's Faringdon Place yard. Ghanaati and Richard Hills after winning the 1000 Guineas (Sean Dempsey/PA) However, as the head of a dynasty that is still influential in racing, his name will live on through the exploits of his sons, with Charlie Hills now continuing the Group One success synonymous with the famous Lambourn operation. 'He was a remarkable man and we were lucky to have him for so long, he was so tough,' continued Gold. 'He had been ill on and off for so long, it was just incredible his will to live and enthusiasm for life, a truly wonderful man. 'All five boys were heavily involved. Sadly John died and then you've the twins (Richard and Michael) who everyone obviously know all about and then there's Charlie who trains and George who is making a fine career out in America, so it is a dynasty that will live on, there is no question about that.'
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Barry Hills, one of racing's greatest trainers, dies at the age of 88
Barry Hills, one of the greatest trainers of his generation, has died at the age of 88. Hills took out his licence in 1969 and by the time he retired from the training ranks in 2011 had sent out more than 3,000 winners, including two victors in both the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, St Leger hero in Moonax and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner in Rheingold. Hills was also father to the retired Classic-winning jockeys Michael and Richard, while his son Charlie took over at the family's Faringdon Place yard and has enjoyed a string of big-race victories. Another son, George, is involved in bloodstock insurance. 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 on 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 1,000 Guineas, while Tap On Wood (1979) and Haafhd (2004) prevailed in the 2,000. While Epsom Derby glory eluded him, Sir Harry Lewis won the Irish version in 1987 and he also bagged the Irish Oaks and 1,000 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 John.
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Legendary trainer Hills dies aged 88
Barry Hills was involved in horce racing for more than 70 years [Getty Images] Legendary racehorse trainer Barry Hills has died aged 88. The Lambourn-based trainer enjoyed more than 3,200 wins during a career lasting over 40 years. After a career as a jockey and head lad, he began training in 1969 and won 10 British and Irish Classics, including the 2,000 Guineas with Tap On Wood in 1979 and the 1,000 Guineas with Ghanaati 30 years later. Advertisement Hills racked up victories across the world, including the 1973 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Rheingold, and broke records with Nagwa and Further Flight. Nagwa scored 13 wins as a juvenile and Further Flight landed five Jockey Club Cups. Hills overcame serious illnesses and throat cancer to carry on training. He retired in 2011 and handed over to his son Charlie, but came out of retirement for a period after the death of his son John. Sons Michael and Richard were both successful jockeys. A British Horseracing Authority statement 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."
