07 September 2023 , 14:23
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Tributes have been paid to one of the most successful jockeys in British racing history. Edward Hide, who has died aged 86.
Hide rode his first winner as a 14-year-old and by the time he retired in 1983 he had ridden 2,593 winners in Britain and, until recently overtaken by Joe Fanning, was the winningest rider never to be crowned champion.
He won six Classics, the highlight of his 1973 Derby victory on Morston, landed the 1,000 Guineas twice, plus the Oaks and St Leger. He was also the regular rider of the Mick Easterby-trained champion sprinter Lochnager on whom he won the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and July Cup.
News of his death was broken by his son, the travel writer and journalist Will Hide, who wrote on X, “You think your folks will go on forever but we all know that can’t be the case.
“My Dad passed away peacefully in Yorkshire holding the hands of Mum and my sister Lizzie. A life very well lived and well-loved. We’ll miss you, Dad.” ITV Racing commentator Richard Hoiles said: “Truly a life to celebrate. Ahead of his time in so many ways.”
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Jockey Joanna Mason, the granddaughter of Easterby, said: “So sorry to hear your loss. I know grandad still says he was the best jockey he had and still tells be loads of stories.”
Hide delivered Easterby’s only Classic success on Mrs McArdy in 1977 and the veteran trainer told the Racing Post: “He was a genius. He was incredible; he never left a leaf unturned and I can't praise him highly enough.
“He rode my best horses, Mrs McArdy and Lochnager, who he stole the July Cup on. He kicked in the Dip and they never got to him. There wasn't an agent clever enough to work for him and he could live on fresh air.”