Trevor Hemmings was a British businessman, philanthropist, and one of the most recognisable figures in horse racing, celebrated for owning three Grand National winners.
Born on June 11, 1935, in Woolwich, London, Hemmings moved as a child to Lancashire, the region he’d forever be associated with.
His early life was marked by modest means, working on railways and learning bricklaying, before studying business at night school.
Hemmings built his first fortune in housebuilding, famously selling his initial business in the early 1970s, and later another to Barratt Developments for £5.7 million.
He ultimately developed a vast property and leisure empire, investing in Blackpool Tower and Preston North End FC, as well as ventures in hospitality and the iconic Pontins holiday camps.
By 2021, Hemmings was listed as one of Britain’s billionaires, with a fortune of over £1 billion, and was renowned for his charitable works and his practical, grounded approach to business.
A Love of Horse Racing
Hemmings’ lifelong love of horse racing took hold in the 1970s when he worked with Fred Pontin, the owner of Grand National winner Specify.
That experience ignited a passion that became central to Hemmings’ life. His racing operation grew to over a hundred horses, and his ambition centered on the Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase.
Hemmings’ green, yellow, and white silks became a fixture at jumps meetings from Aintree to Cheltenham, and he made regular headlines with his determination to win at the highest level.
The 2005 Victory: Hedgehunter
Trevor Hemmings’ dream of winning the Grand National was realised in 2005 at Aintree with Hedgehunter.
Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, Hedgehunter started as the 7/1 favourite after falling at the last fence the previous year.
This time, he made no mistake, taking the lead after Becher’s Brook and powering clear to win by 14 lengths in a time of 9 minutes, 21 seconds, with all horses returning safely.
The triumph secured Hemmings’ place among elite owners and was celebrated for the professionalism of the team and the popular Walsh-Mullins partnership.
The 2011 Triumph: Ballabriggs
Hemmings’ second Grand National win was with Ballabriggs in 2011, a highly competitive renewal of the race.
Ballabriggs was prepared by trainer Donald McCain Jr. (whose father, Ginger McCain, was himself a Grand National legend) and ridden by Jason Maguire.
Conditions on the day were good, and the race unfolded with drama and controversy.
Ballabriggs remained prominent throughout and, under an enterprising ride, held off Oscar Time to win by just over two lengths, in the second-fastest time in Grand National history in 9 minutes, 1.2 seconds.
The win reinforced Hemmings’ reputation for patient investment and supporting skilled racing professionals.
The Hat-Trick: Many Clouds in 2015
Hemmings’ hat-trick was completed in 2015 with Many Clouds, a horse trained by Oliver Sherwood and ridden by Leighton Aspell.
Many Clouds started at 25/1 and carried a hefty weight of 11 stone 9 pounds over ‘good to soft’ ground.
Nineteen of thirty-nine runners completed the course, with Many Clouds winning by one-and-three-quarter lengths in a time of 8 minutes, 56.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest modern Nationals.
In fact, no renewal since has been faster than that!
This victory underscored Hemmings’ ability to spot tough, talented horses and support them with expert trainers and jockeys.
The Death of Trevor Hemmings
Trevor Hemmings died on October 11, 2021, aged 86. His passing was met with widespread tributes across the racing world, with Aintree and The Jockey Club recognising his devotion to racing and his status as “Mr. Aintree”.
Beyond his sporting legacy, Hemmings was remembered for his philanthropy, business savvy, and strong community ties.
Hemmings’ influence persists in British racing. Horses still run in his famous green, yellow, and white silks, and his ownership operation remains active, with trainers such as Sue Smith and Donald McCain continuing to race horses for his estate.
Recent runners include Famous Bridge and Richmond Lake, who, though considered outsiders, keep the Hemmings tradition alive.
His support has shaped the careers of trainers and jockeys, and his record-equalling three Grand National wins have ensured his place among the sport’s most successful owners.
Final Thoughts
Trevor Hemmings represented everything enduring and optimistic about British steeplechasing: resilience, ambition, and love of the sport.
His life story, from railway worker to bricklaying tycoon to billionaire, friend of royals and charity patron, and racing hero, is part of the very fabric of the Grand National.
The legend of his three great victories at Aintree will remain a lasting inspiration.
