Tributes pour in as three-time Grand National-winning owner Trevor Hemmings dies at the age of 86
Trevor Hemmings, a three-time Grand National winning owner, has died at the age of 86.
Hemmings, who was also owner of Preston North End, got his first taste of success in the 2005 Grand National with Hedgehunter.
This was followed up in 2011 when Ballabriggs was the star of the show in his famous green, yellow and white colours.
Hemmings created history in 2015 as Many Clouds handed him his third success in the Grand National as he became one of five owners to win the Aintree steeplechase three times.
Many Clouds, who was trained by Lambourn’s Oliver Sherwood, also gave Hemmings a memorable day at Newbury Racecourse in 2014 as he won the Ladbrokes Trophy, formerly known as the Hennessy Gold Cup.
Sherwood was full of praise for Hemmings and the support he showed to not only his yard, but to racing as a whole.
Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News, he said: “He was a remarkable man, he was very easy to train for and he had a lot of different trainers, but he let us get on with it.
“He enjoyed the highs and he knew the lows and he was a legend in the National Hunt racing world.
“He was a gentlemen, he came from very humble beginnings and he created an empire, but he knew where his roots were and he was a very likable man.
“It’s too early to say what will happen to the horses, but he’ll be a huge loss in the racing world and that is certain.”
The owner won the prestigious race on three occasions at Newbury as Trabolgan (2005) and Cloth Cap (2020) were also successful.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Trabolgan became Hemmings’ first Grade 1 winner in 2005, when he won the RSA Chase.
In total, he won a total of 12 Cheltenham Festival races, with Vintage Clouds being the most recent in the Ultima Handicap Chase earlier this year.
Tributes across the sporting community have been paying tribute to the late owner.
Newbury Racecourse tweeted: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Trevor Hemmings. Three-time and winning most owner of the Ladbrokes Trophy, formerly Hennessy Gold Cup; Trabolgan (2005), Many Clouds (2014) & Cloth Cap (2020). He will be much missed by all.”
Sir Anthony McCoy added: “Desperately sad news that Trevor Hemmings has died. I’m very proud to have worn his iconic colours on many wonderful days. He was a great friend to many but a greater friend to our sport and that of his beloved Preston and thoughts with all his family & friends.
Mark Lawrenson, who played for Preston between 1974 and 1977, said: “Very sad news to hear of the passing of Trevor Hemmings. He was Mr PNE. As former players/staff & supporters, we owe this man a huge debt of gratitude. Without him who knows where our football club would be. RIP Sir & thanks for all you did for us. Love to the Family.”
