Edward Hide, born on 12 April 1937, passed away on 7 September 2023, but not before leaving an indelible mark on British horse racing. Known for his extraordinary achievements in the field, Hide was once the sixth most successful jockey in British racing history. Over 30 years post his retirement, he still holds the revered position as the ninth most successful jockey.
Early Days and Career Highlights
Edward’s influence was primarily felt on the northern and Scottish racing circuits. In a remarkable feat in 1974, he set a record of 137 wins, an achievement for any jockey based in the north of Britain. This record was unbroken until Kevin Darley surpassed it in 1993. Despite his dominance in the north, Hide was no stranger to success in the southern circuits, particularly during major race days.
His classic race triumphs include winning the 1973 Derby on Morston, the 1,000 Guineas on Waterloo (1972) and Mrs McArdy (1977), and the St. Legers on Cantelo (1959) and Julio Mariner (1978). In addition to these, he also tasted victory in notable races like the Lincoln, Northumberland Plate, Magnet Cup, November Handicap, Nunthorpe Stakes, July Cup, King’s Stand Stakes, and notably the 1967 Ayr Gold Cup on Farm Walk. One distinguishing feature of Hide was his toothy grin, which made him easily recognizable to racing aficionados.
By the time he decided to hang up his boots in 1986, Hide had accumulated a whopping 2,593 wins in Britain, making him the most successful jockey to have never become the British champion jockey.
Post-Retirement Ventures
While Hide originally intended to serve as a Jockey Club stewards’ secretary, he was not selected for the position. He later became an agent to Walter Swinburn. After that, he spent some time as the assistant trainer to John Gosden and later transitioned into the role of a racing manager. An avid horse breeder, Hide bred horses from a farm located near Malton, North Yorkshire, which went on to win around 80 races.
A surprising incident in his later years was the retraction of his lifetime racecourse entry badge, a decision which was later challenged by the Professional Jockeys’ Association.
Personal Life
In 1961, Hide tied the knot and was blessed with a daughter and son. His wife, Susan, pursued her passion and became a prominent breeder and judge of show ponies. The talent for horse racing seems to run in the family, as Hide’s nephew, Philip Hide, was a notable National Hunt jockey in the southern circuit and later ventured into racehorse training post his retirement.
Classic Race Victories in Great Britain
- 1,000 Guineas – Waterloo (1972), Mrs McArdy (1977)
- Epsom Oaks – Pia (1967)
- Epsom Derby – Morston (1973)
- St. Leger – Cantelo (1959), Julio Mariner (1978)
In conclusion, the legacy of Edward Hide as a stalwart of British horse racing will continue to inspire and will forever be remembered by fans and peers alike.
