'We were described as vandals and all sort of terrible things' - the innovator who shaped the modern-day Jockey Club
David Hillyard, who died last month aged 86, was managing director of Racecourse Holdings Trust (RHT) for 11 years, during which time he courted little publicity but played an important role in shaping the modern Jockey Club and was one of the most influential people in racing.
Born in 1937, Hillyard had long commercial experience with Debenhams and Whitbread before succeeding Tommy Wallis at RHT, at the time a subsidiary of the Jockey Club, in 1989.
It was under his leadership that the company won the fight for United Racecourses in 1994, adding Epsom, Sandown and Kempton to the group's portfolio of courses.
Read the full story
Read award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing, with exclusive news, interviews, columns, investigations, stable tours and subscriber-only emails.
Subscribe to unlock
- Racing Post digital newspaper (worth over £100 per month)
- Award-winning journalism from the best writers in racing
- Expert tips from the likes of Tom Segal and Paul Kealy
- Replays and results analysis from all UK and Irish racecourses
- Form study tools including the Pro Card and Horse Tracker
- Extensive archive of statistics covering horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, pedigree and sales data
Already a subscriber?Log in
Published on inRacing Lives
Last updated
Copy- Steve Jobar: an unassuming talent in the saddle who could turn his hand to anything
- 'What did I tell you, any mug could do this' - how ignoring Sir Mark Prescott brought vindication for Brian Haggas
- 'He loved partying with Lester and the rest' - the life of Derek Morris, lightweight jockey who rode for the Queen
- Shamus Donkin: the popular head lad and 'absolute legend' who was a Malton mainstay for nearly 50 years
- 'Dad's life was always a fight' - how bold, brash Barry Dennis became the face of the betting ring
- Steve Jobar: an unassuming talent in the saddle who could turn his hand to anything
- 'What did I tell you, any mug could do this' - how ignoring Sir Mark Prescott brought vindication for Brian Haggas
- 'He loved partying with Lester and the rest' - the life of Derek Morris, lightweight jockey who rode for the Queen
- Shamus Donkin: the popular head lad and 'absolute legend' who was a Malton mainstay for nearly 50 years
- 'Dad's life was always a fight' - how bold, brash Barry Dennis became the face of the betting ring