It’s always a sad day when a beloved member of the National Hunt racing family passes away. Today is no exception with the news that Lancashire native, Trevor Hemmings has sadly died aged 86.

The news of his passing was confirmed in a statement released by Preston North End, the football club owned by Hemmings since 2010.

Owner of three Grand National winners, Hemmings was a fixture on the racing scene and one of its biggest supporters. Even his latest stable star, Cloth Cap was named after his familiar headwear, in a rare nod to himself.

The joint-most successful owner ever in the Grand National he was lucky enough to have winners with Hedgehunter in 2005, Ballabriggs in 2011 and Many Clouds in 2015.

The Tributes

Unsurprisingly the tributes have poured in since the news of his death was made public.

Sir Anthony McCoy, who rode Albertas Run in each of his four Grade 1 victories, wrote on Twitter: “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 @pnefc thoughts with all his family and friends.”

Donald McCain, trainer of Ballabriggs wrote: “Shocked and saddened to hear that Mr Hemmings passed away yesterday, a gentleman and a huge support to myself and my family for many years, there can be no bigger loss to national hunt racing #Ripmrhemmings”

The Life Of Trevor Hemmings

Born in London, the son of a Royal Ordnance factory worker father, the family relocated to Lancashire when Hemmings was just five years old.

His was a real-life story of rags to riches. From nothing, Hemmings grafted out a living eventually becoming a billionaire.

In 2010 he acquired Preston North End FC when they were in deep trouble because of an HM Revenue and Customs winding-up order and relegation to the third tier in 2011. The taxation issue was resolved by Trevor Hemmings, already a shareholder, who bought a controlling interest in June 2010.

The team were promoted again, via the play-offs, in 2015 and have been well-placed in the EFL Championship since then.

Hemmings also owned Northern Trust Co. Ltd, Classic Lodges Ltd. and Trust Inns Ltd as well as over 100 racehorses. Though he had recently scaled back his racing operation.

According to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2020, Hemmings was worth £1.025 billion, the same as the previous year.

He once said in an interview with the jockey club: “I have competed every day of my life.

“I started out with nothing. It’s not nothing now.

“In life I am not a great person for looking back. I am always looking for what next, where next and why next. That is important.

“I don’t do anything half-heartedly. If I am in I am in. I want to do it properly and I want to be successful.”

Philanthropy

Hemmings may have amassed a small fortune over his lifetime but he was more than generous believing that money should be spread around and not kept in one pocket.

He supported Diabetes UK and provided the funds for the S.A.F.E centre, a project helping the victims of sexual violence in Preston, Lancashire.

He also supported the Princess Royal’s Trust for Carers, the Red Cross and Samaritans.

In recognition of his all his good deeds, Hemmings was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in the 2011 Birthday Honours for his service with The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, now renamed Carers Trust.

Trevor Hemmings is survived by his wife Eve, their three sons and one daughter.

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