Tributes paid to one of the most successful jockeys of the modern era

Edward Hide, who lived in Barton-le-Street with his wife, Susan, died on September 7, aged 86.

Known as Eddie, he won all the Classics bar the 2,000 Guineas, and riding to triumph in the 1973 Derby on Morston, beating his great rival Lester Piggott by half a length.

Mr Hide was born near Ludlow, Shropshire, in 1937. His father Bill was a trainer, and Mr Hide followed him into racing. He rode his first winner aged 14, Ritornello, at Chepstow in 1951, and in 1954 he became champion apprentice.

Mr Hide won his first Classic, the 1959 St Leger, on Cantelo for trainer Captain Charles Elsey. He went on to win another five Classics – the 1967 Oaks on Pia, the 1000 Guineas in 1972 on Waterloo and 1977 on Mrs McArdy, and the 1978 St Leger with Julio Mariner. His most notable Classic win was the 1973 Derby at Epsom on the Arthur Budgett-trained outsider Morston; they beat Lester Piggott and Cavo Doro by half a length.

During his career, he rode 2,593 winners in Britain, and won the title “Cock of the North” – the title given to the jockey with the most Flat wins at northern racecourses – 16 times. One of his most successful tracks was Redcar, in North Yorkshire, where his victories included three Zetland Gold Cups, in 1962 with Henry VII, 1977 on Move Off and 1987 on Say Primula.

He retired at the age of 49 in 1986, having ridden 2,593 winners in Britain, making him at the time the sixth most successful jockey in British history; only Gordon Richards, Lester Piggott, Doug Smith, Joe Mercer and Fred Archer had ridden more.

Following his retirement Mr Hide and his wife bred horses, including the winners of about 80 races, along with show ponies, while Susan also took up judging, the role taking her all over the world, as well as closer to home.

Redcar racecourse paid tribute to Mr Hide and on September 19 named a race in his honour, the Edward Hide Restricted Novice Stakes.

“Edward Hide will be remembered as one of the greatest jockeys in Redcar’s history, so we felt it was important to take the earliest opportunity to celebrate his remarkable life in the most appropriate way,” said a Redcar spokesman.

Veteran trainer Mick Easterby described Eddie as “quite simply one of the very best flat jockeys I have ever seen”.

ITV Racing commentator Richard Hoiles said: “Truly a life to celebrate. Ahead of his time in so many ways."

Mr Hide's son Will said his father died peacefully at home, holding the hands of his wife and daughter Lizzie.

“Dad was a battler, he'd had five different cancers, a heart attack and double pneumonia over the years, but this was one last fight he couldn’t win.”

"Although Dad was born in Shropshire, he’d been based in Ryedale since the early 1960s and loved the area and its people. He and mum had a farm near Huttons Ambo for 52 years before moving to Barton le Street.

“You think your folks will go on forever but we all know that can’t be the case. A life very well lived and well-loved. We’ll miss you, Dad.”

A service to celebrate the life of Mr Hide will be held at the East Riding Crematorium, Octon, on Friday, September 29 at 1pm.