Lambourn racehorse trainer John Hills has died aged 53. He had been suffering from cancer of the pancreas. He died on Sunday (1 June).
He was the son of trainer Barry, and brother to former jockeys Michael and Richard and trainer Charlie.
John, who was based at Kingwood House Stables, saddled around 700 winners in his time as a trainer. He had previously been an amateur jockey.
Racecourses with fixtures today (Monday 2 June) will hold a minute of applause to celebrate his life.
Trainers took to Twitter to pay their respects:
Ed Vaughan: “Sad to learn of the passing of John Hills, a gentleman and always great fun to be around. Thoughts and condolences go out to his family. #R.I.P”
Kim Bailey: “Dreadful news on the death of John Hills. Far too young. All our thoughts go out to the Hills family.”
John Berry: “Sum up John Hills in 2 words, you’d say kind, friendly. So v sad such a nice man should go a few decades too soon. Condolences to family RIP.”
