New stamps celebrate horse racing legend's legacy

The life of the legendary racehorse owner Trevor Hemmings has been celebrated in a special collection of stamps ahead of the Grand National.

A three-time Aintree winner, Hemmings – who died in 2021 at the age of 86 – was one of the most respected figures in the sport during his 50-year career.

The set features images of his most famous horses alongside tributes from several well-known racing figures, including broadcaster Clare Balding, former jockey Sir AP McCoy and Olympian Zara Tindall.

Born in London, billionaire businessman Hemmings grew up in Lancashire but spent his later life living on the Isle of Man, where many of his champion horses spent their retirement.

Victories in the Grand National were secured by Hedgehunter in 2005, Ballabriggs in 2011 and Many Clouds in 2015.

His jockeys all wore his stable colours of green, yellow and white.

The collection features pictures by Grossick Photography alongside text by trustee of the Hemmings Family Trust, Kathryn Revitt.

Balding said Hemmings' love of horses "shone through more than anything in the way he cared for them after they retired".

She said he was an "absolute diamond" who "gave back so much to the community and to families who needed help and he had the kindest heart".

Released by the Isle of Man Post Office, the stamp collection will support the Injured Jockey's Fund.

Former champion jockey and fund president McCoy said he was "so lucky" to get to know Hemmings.

He rode many of his horses, even winning 10 races on one of them.

"Trevor was like all of us," he said, "He loved winning, and by God he won a lot, which he thoroughly deserved."

Dickon White, North West regional director at The Jockey Club, said while Hemmings' "extraordinary" achievement of winning the world's most famous steeplechase three times with three different horses had left a lasting mark on the sport, it was "his love of racing and respect for everyone involved that truly defined him".

His broader support of equestrianism helped Zara Tindall achieve a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. His horse, High Kingdom, was part of the British eventing team.

She said he was "the most special man in many ways and one of the hardest-working people I have known".

"His enjoyment of being successful at the highest levels made him such an honour to ride for," she added.

Hemmings, who also owned Preston North End FC, was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) for his work as vice-president of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers in 2011.

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