Grand National-winning racehorse owner Trevor Hemmings dies aged 86

 

Prominent horse racing figure and owner of Preston North End Trevor Hemmings has sadly passed away aged 86.

Hemmings, who lived on the Isle of Man, took a controlling interest in the Lancashire football club at a time when it was in financial difficulties and he managed to turn things around and lift them into a comfortable Championship position.

He was also a prominent figure in the world of horse racing with three wins in the Grand National. His green, yellow and white colours were carried to victory by Hedgehunter in 2005, Ballabriggs in 2011 and most recently Many Clouds in 2015.

As well as tasting success in the Grand National, Hemmings also won the Hennessy Gold Cup with Trabolgan and he also had success in the Cheltenham Festival with Albertas Run triumphing in the Ryanair Chase on two occasions. He was also the owner of eventing horses which were ridden by Zara Tindall.

Born in Woolwich where his father was employed at the Royal Ordance factory, Hemmings owned the leisure chain Pontins on two separate occasions and was also a one-time owner of Blackpool Tower prior to selling it to the local council. As director of Preston North End in the 70s, he took control of the club in 2010 after his company, Deepdale PNE, acquired a 51% stake of the shares. He was appointed CVO (Commander of the Royal Victorian Order) in 2011 in recognition of his work for the Princess Royal Trust for Carers where he acted as vice-president.

Preston North End released a statement to confirm that Hemmings had died. It read:

“Preston North End Football Club can sadly confirm the devastating news that its owner Trevor Hemmings CVO has passed away this evening 11th October 2021.

“A further statement will be made in the coming days but in the meantime his family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”