Barry Hills was involved in horce racing for more than 70 years 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. 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."
Legendary trainer Hills dies aged 88
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"Barry Hills, Renowned Racehorse Trainer, Dies at 88"
TruthLens AI Summary
Barry Hills, a legendary figure in the world of horse racing, has passed away at the age of 88 after an illustrious career that spanned more than 70 years. Hills, who was based in Lambourn, began his training career in 1969 and went on to achieve over 3,200 wins throughout his time in the sport. He is particularly renowned for his success in British and Irish Classics, having won prestigious races such as the 2,000 Guineas in 1979 with the horse Tap On Wood and the 1,000 Guineas with Ghanaati in 2009. His remarkable achievements extended beyond the UK, as he also secured victory in the 1973 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Rheingold. Hills was known for breaking records, notably with horses like Nagwa, who had 13 wins as a juvenile, and Further Flight, who won five Jockey Club Cups. His contributions to horse racing have left a lasting legacy in the sport.
In addition to his impressive record, Hills faced significant personal challenges, including serious illnesses and a battle with throat cancer, yet he continued to train horses with dedication. He officially retired in 2011, passing the reins to his son Charlie, but returned to training for a time following the tragic death of his other son, John. Barry Hills' family has deep roots in horse racing, with both of his sons, Michael and Richard, achieving success as jockeys. The British Horseracing Authority expressed its sorrow at his passing, highlighting the immense contribution Hills made to the sport and acknowledging him as one of its great figures. His death marks the end of an era in horse racing, and he will be remembered fondly by fans and professionals alike for his remarkable achievements and the impact he had on the racing community.
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