Racing mourns death of Group 1-winning owner Bob Michaelson at 72

Group 1-winning owner and former Classic sponsor Bob Michaelson was hailed as a man with 'a passion for racing' after his death was announced at the age of 72.

Prix Morny winner Hoh Magic and Border Arrow, who finished third in both the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby in 1998, were among the high-class Flat horses Michaelson owned in partnership.

Great Yorkshire Chase winner Moor Lane and smart two-miler Celibate, who he bought in response to a Racing Post advert placed by Charlie Mann, were two of his notable jumpers.

Bob Michaelson with Great Yorkshire Chase winner Moor LaneCredit: Gerry Cranham

"Bob had been a friend of my parents for many years and a great supporter of the yard," said Andrew Balding, who trained Border Arrow later in his career.

"Dad played rugby with his brother Roger, who was a Welsh international, and Bob had horses with dad pretty much from when he left university in the early 1970s. Border Arrow would be the best that he had with us but he also had shares in any syndicates we put together, he was always good for a share. He was a great participator.

"He was a fantastic owner and had a passion for racing. I spoke to him two days before he went into hospital and he was engaged and excited about the prospects of his runners. It's terribly sad, he'll be greatly missed. He was a lovely man, he was enthusiastic and understood the sport well."

Michael Bell, who trained Hoh Magic, added: "He had horses with me for 30 years, he had a great sense of humour and was very loyal. We had a lot of fun over the years. He was a remarkably lucky owner but he deserved every ounce of luck he got.

"The last conversation I had with him was about Robert Fitzroy, in whom he had a share in and was going to run at Yarmouth – the horse had never won before but he put his best foot forward and won the day after he died."

Born at Port Talbot in Wales, Michaelson went to the University of Kent at Canterbury and spent more than 40 years in the investment industry.

He formed Sagitta Asset Management alongside with Wafic Said, who also part-owned Border Arrow, and their company sponsored both the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas from 1998 to 2002.

Border Arrow wins the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at SandownCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He was a very good man to work with," recalled Lisa Hancock, who became Newmarket managing director in 2000. "He set very high standards and his team were very professional.

"They loved the meeting and put on the most incredible hospitality for their guests."

Michaelson, an ardent Chelsea fan, was unmarried. A private funeral for family and friends will be held at Basingstoke Crematorium at 11am on September 11, followed by a celebration of his life at Sandford Springs Golf Club in Kingsclere at 1pm.

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