Leading owner-breeder Sir Evelyn de Rothschild dies at the age of 91

Sir Evelyn de Rothschild was remembered as "a very special man" on Tuesday after the leading owner-breeder died aged 91.

De Rothschild, a financier from the prominent European banking family, enjoyed top-level success as an owner and breeder on the Flat in Britain, Ireland and internationally, and over jumps from a small string.

The standout performer in his navy blue silks with a yellow cap was Crystal Ocean, whose biggest victory came in the Group 1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2019, alongside a host of other notable wins including the 2018 Hardwicke Stakes and the 2017 Gordon Stakes.

On his next run after his Group 1 triumph, Crystal Ocean arguably elevated himself even further when throwing down a sustained challenge to Enable in a pulsating running of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, in which he finished second.

In addition to Crystal Ocean, De Rothschild also enjoyed top-level success on the Flat with Hillstar winning the 2014 Grade 1 Canadian International and over jumps with Ogee, who was trained by his sister Renee Robeson to land the 2009 Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree.

De Rothschild also bred Notnowcato at his Southcourt Stud near Leighton Buzzard and the son of Inchinor went on to land a Group 1 hat-trick in the Coral-Eclipse, Juddmonte International and Tattersalls Gold Cup in the colours of the breeder's sons Anthony and David.

Crystal Ocean: one of the leading performers for owner-breeder Sir Evelyn de RothschildCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Notnowcato, like the majority of De Rothschild's horses, was trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who said the Eclipse victory was a particularly memorable one as the prize fund for the first running in 1886 had been donated by De Rothschild's grandfather Leopold.

"He was a very special man in my life and Coral [Pritchard Gordon, Stoute's late partner] adored him, she always looked after him at the races and they had a great rapport," Stoute said.

"We had many great times together, but probably the most enjoyable one for him was winning the Eclipse as his family had a close association with the race.

"He was an owner here for just over 30 years and it was a very enjoyable time. It was a joy to train for him as he was an owner who really knew and understood the game. He and Mrs Robeson produced some very good horses."

De Rothschild raced seven horses on the Flat in Britain this year, all trained by Stoute in Newmarket, with Crystal Caprice, a close relative of Crystal Ocean, winning three times and being placed at Listed level. Crystal Mariner, an unraced Sea The Stars juvenile, holds an entry in next year's Derby.

A number of horses owned by De Rothschild are set to sell at the Tattersalls December Sale this month: a yearling by Zoustar, four foals and six mares, including multiple Group 2 winner Crystal Capella. All horses are listed as selling in a "partial dispersal of Southcourt Stud".

Ryan Moore steers Notnowcato to victory in the 2007 Coral-EclipseCredit: Edward Whitaker

In a statement released on Tuesday, De Rothschild's family said: "It is with great sorrow that Lady de Rothschild announces the death of her beloved husband, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, after a short illness.

"Sir Evelyn passed away peacefully yesterday evening at his home in London with his loved ones by his side. The family appreciates thoughts and prayers at this very sad time."

A member of the De Rothschild banking family, Sir Evelyn served as chief executive and chairman of the bank NM Rothschild and Sons for 27 years. The financier later focused increasingly on philanthropy, chairing the Eranda Rothschild foundation and co-founding the Elephant Family Conservation Charity.

De Rothschild was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1989 for services to banking and finance.

He is survived by his wife Lynn and three children Jessica, Anthony, and David, as well as two stepsons, Benjamin Forester Stein and John Forester Stein.

Full name Sir Evelyn Robert Adrian de Rothschild (knighted 1989)

Born August 29, 1931

Father Anthony de Rothschild (owner of Galloper Light, Pillion)

Sister Renee Robeson (1927-2015, trainer of Ogee)

Sons Anthony & David de Rothschild

Business Banker; chairman of N M Rothschild and Sons Ltd 1976-2003

Overall world champion (official ratings) Crystal Ocean (2019, jointly with Enable & Waldgeist)

Juddmonte International, Tattersalls Gold Cup & Eclipse Stakes winner Notnowcato (2006-07, ran in his sons' names)

Canadian International winner Hillstar (2014)

Prince of Wales's Stakes winner Crystal Ocean (2019)

Crystal Ocean's other Group wins 2017 Gordon Stakes, 2018 Gordon Richards, Aston Park, Hardwicke Stakes, 2019 Gordon Richards, Aston Park Stakes

Other Group wins Insatiable (1998 Brigadier Gerard Stakes, Prix Dollar, 1999 Blandford Stakes), Notnowcato (2006 Earl of Sefton, Gordon Richards Stakes), Crystal Capella (2008 Pride Stakes, 2009 Middleton Stakes, 2010 Pride Stakes, 2011 Princess of Wales's Stakes), Hillstar (2013 King Edward VII Stakes, 2014 Arc Trial)

Best jumper Ogee (2009 Sefton Novices' Hurdle)

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes runner-up Crystal Ocean (2019, to Enable)

Highest-rated horses (RPRs) 129 Crystal Ocean, 126 Notnowcato, 123 Insatiable

Most prolific Group winners Crystal Ocean (7), Notnowcato (5), Crystal Capella (4), Insatiable (3), Hillstar (3)

Positions in racing Chairman of United Racecourses 1977-94; Jockey Club member (elected 1978)

Family stud Southcourt Stud, Southcote, near Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire

Colours Dark blue, yellow cap

Died November 7, 2022, aged 91

All his big-race winners were as owner-breeder except Insatiable & Ogee (owner only)

Compiled by John Randall