'He was brought up in a tough world, so to get where he did was extraordinary' - Henderson leads Lambourn tributes to Barry Hills

Lambourn continued to mourn the loss of one of its most treasured figures on Sunday as Nicky Henderson reflected on the life of his long-time friend Barry Hills.

Hills, who died at the age of 88 surrounded by his family, has left a legacy in the village, one that Henderson is honoured to be a part of.

In a moving tribute, he described Hills as an “extraordinary man” and “someone you don’t come across often” because of the impact he had on Lambourn and anyone who came across him. 

"He was pretty unique," said Henderson. "It’s a sad day for us, but it’s also a sad day for Lambourn and for racing. It’ll never be the same and it’s probably the first time in 25 years we’re not having Sunday lunch together."

• Obituary: 'He did it all from scratch' - 'streetfighter' Barry Hills conquered racing's peaks and became a Lambourn legend 

Henderson and Hills’s friendship dated back to 1978, with the former riding Love From Verona to victory at Fontwell to provide the latter with his first winner over jumps.

Henderson said: "Wherever he went and whatever he did, he was going to do it well, and he was going to do it properly. He had his standards and he expected them to be adhered to. He instilled that into everyone and there was always that element of discipline. It’s why everyone respected him so much.

"He’d always tell you what he thought, but he’d always think about it too. He had a lot of opinions and ideas – and I didn't agree with all of them – but there was no point disputing anything with him because he’d always win. 

"He was very imaginative. He was brought up in quite a tough world, so to get where he did was extraordinary. You have to be strong and you have to have vision, and he had a lot of determination. 

"Anyone who worked with him would tell you the same. He was forthright and it’s why everyone loved him, because you knew what you were getting."

Nicky Henderson: spoke emotionally about his long-time friend Barry HillsCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Hills leaves wife Penny and sons George, a bloodstock insurer, Charlie, who took over the training licence at Faringdon Place in 2011, and Michael and Richard, both former jockeys. 

Henderson said: "The legacy is amazing. There were five boys and sadly we lost [trainer] John, which is something that deeply hurt him and Penny, who has been the masterstroke behind everything. All these times in hospital, the only reason he got out was because of her. 

"Charlie is doing great, and it’s great he’s carrying on the training, George is in America with a very successful business, and Michael and Richard have been absolute stars.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have been such a part of it. There are ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. They’ve all lost the boss and we’ve all lost a great man."

Hills’s association with Lambourn will never be forgotten. In 1992, he teamed up with the jockey-turned-trainer Jamie Osborne to land the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival with Nomadic Way.

Fellow Lambourn trainer Owen Burrows worked under Hills in 2015 and hailed him as a "titan of British racing" when paying tribute to his former boss.

Burrows said: "Working under him was a formative and inspiring experience – his dedication, eye for talent and unshakeable spirit taught me more than any lesson book ever could.

"He was generous with his time and wisdom. I’ll always be grateful for his belief in me and his ongoing guidance. His warmth, resilience – especially through illness – and lifelong passion for training continues to inspire me every day."

Clive Cox has been training a stone's throw away from Faringdon Place for 25 years and knows how significant a role Hills played in village life.

Cox said: "I grew up in awe of Barry, especially in the Steve Cauthen days when I was a lot younger and watching that supreme professional. He was a very important cog in the Lambourn wheel and he’ll be sadly missed.

"He was one of the best trainers I’ve witnessed, and my deepest sympathy goes out to the whole family."

Barry Hills 1937-2025:

'Barry liked to lay one out but he was secretive about it - we had to guess which horse it was and nine times out of ten we were wrong!' 

Barry Hills, legendary trainer and head of a major racing dynasty, dies at the age of 88 

'He did it all from scratch' - 'streetfighter' Barry Hills conquered racing's peaks and became a Lambourn legend 

Five stars: Arc hero Rheingold heads the list of the best horses Barry Hills trained 

Barry Hills: a man with a razor-sharp sense of humour and a tongue that could make shrinking violets of the most robust