Sir Alex Ferguson’s close mate and racing legend John Hales dead aged 85 as sport remembers a ‘great man’
He celebrated a winner just two weeks ago
SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S close mate and legendary racing owner John Hales has sadly died aged 85.
A Grand National-winning owner who amassed his huge fortune making toys, Hales was a titan of racing.
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Trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed his passing in a post on X.
The Ditcheat handler wrote: “It is with great sadness to report that John Hales passed away last evening.
“A great man and a fantastic owner and friend for many people .
“Thoughts with his wife Pat and his wonderful family. He will be missed by so many in racing. RIP John.”
Hales, who was from Shifnal in Shropshire, co-owned a number of top horses with the former Manchester United boss and fellow pals Ged Mason and Peter Done.
Hales’ own distinctive yellow silks were carried to ultimate glory in 2012 by awesome grey Neptune Collonges.
Ridden by the recently-retired Daryl Jacob, 33-1 Neptune Collonges prevailed by a nose in an all-time thriller with Sunnyhillboy.
Hales continued to go to the races in his final days.
Less than two weeks ago he was in the winner’s enclosure at Windsor after Protektorat won the Fleur De Lys Chase and its £86,000 prize.
There were emotional scenes at the Berkshire track as Hales, helped by trainer Dan Skelton, walked over to his beloved horse.
Hales made his money in the toy world, with the Teletubbies, Thomas the Tank Engine and Basil Brush soft toys all being crafted by his Golden Bear company.
Launched in 1978, Golden Bear went from strength-to-strength and soon meant Hales could dip his toe into the world of racehorse ownership.
In the mid-Nineties Hales had his first runner, the well-named The Toyman. Sadly he fell and died in his first race.
But his luck quickly changed and he enjoyed huge success with the likes of Champion Chase winners Azertyuiop and Politologue and King George hero One Man.
In more recent times Hales teamed up with Sir Alex to land the then world-record purchase of Regent’s Stroll for £660,000.
That came after their ownership group set the previous record for a jumps horse when they bought Caldwell Potter for £634,000.
Hales and Sir Alex shared some amazing scenes at last year’s Cheltenham Festival.
They roared home two winners alongside Sam Allardyce and Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall, who plays Tyrone Dobbs.
On a money-spinning day that saw them collect just shy of £300,000, Sir Alex and Hales jumped up and down as Protektorat and Monmiral won the Ryanair and Pertemps respectively.
The sport quickly came together to remember a man whose horses gave so much joy to so many.
Skelton wrote: “RIP John. A great man who will be greatly missed.
“The Hales’ family support of all horse sports, with John front and centre has been unwavering.
“As has their/his support of the Skelton family. Our thoughts are with all his family at this sad time.
“John will be remembered forever.”
A post from The Jockey Club read: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Hales.
“He was an instantly recognisable and passionate owner and supporter of British racing who will be greatly missed at racecourses across the country.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who knew him.”
While Nicholls’ daughter Megan wrote: “So lucky to have enjoyed many great days with the Hales family on and off the racecourse. RIP John x.”
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