Barry Hills remembered as ‘one of the greats’

Angus Gold described Barry Hills as “one of the greats in my lifetime”, as he joined the racing community in paying tribute to the training great following his death at the age of 88.

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.

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.

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.”

Among the countless big-race winners for Hills was Gildoran, who won the Ascot Gold Cup in 1984 and 1985.

The track said on X: “Everybody at Ascot Racecourse is saddened to hear about the death of Barry Hills. We send all our condolences to his friends and family at this time.

“Barry enjoyed huge success at Ascot and Royal Ascot including with the likes of Gildoran who was a dual Gold Cup winner and Sure Blade who won the Coventry Stakes, St James’s Palace Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.”

In similar vein, officials at York said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hills family. Barry had so many highlights on the Knavesmire, be it Handsome Sailor in the Coolmore Nunthorpe, Royal Applause in the Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack or Further Flight landing him a Sky Bet Ebor – Rest in Peace.”

The Racehorse Owners Association said: “Everyone at the ROA is deeply saddened by the passing of Barry Hills, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this time.

“Barry made an extraordinary contribution to racing and will be remembered as one of the sport’s true greats.”