Trevor Hemmings: hard-nosed in business but patience of a saint with his horses

Trevor Hemmings, whose famous green, yellow and white colours were carried to Grand National glory by Hedgehunter, Ballabriggs and Many Clouds, has died aged 86. Here, Peter Thomas reflects on the powerful owner's life and times in The Tuesday Profile, exclusive to Members' Club subscribers and first published in the Racing Post on March 24, 2020.

It was 20 years ago that Mick Meagher started working full time for Trevor Hemmings and it was not too long before he tested the water by inquiring after his new boss's ambitions in the sport.

"My first week there, I asked him 'What's the plan?'" says the former trainer, recalling the start of a long journey that still shows no sign of ending. "He had 25 horses in training at the time, so I asked him straight: 'What do you want to do?' He said: 'I want to win the Grand National.'"