Training legend Barry Hills dies aged 88

Barry Hills, one of the greatest trainers of his generation, has died at the age of 88.

Hills was also father to retired Classic-winning jockeys Michael and Richard, while 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 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 1000 Guineas, while Tap On Wood (1979) and Haafhd (2004) prevailed in the 2000.

While Epsom Derby glory eluded him, Sir Harry Lewis won the Irish version in 1987 and he also bagged the Irish Oaks and 1000 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.

Shadwell's long-serving racing manager Angus Gold hailed 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."

"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."