Leading Jumps Owner John Hales Dies at 85

[Wandering Eyes]

Grand National-winning owner John Hales has died at the age of 85.

The owner of Neptunes Collonges (Fr), who landed one of the tightest finishes to the National in 2012 when beating Sunnyhillboy (Ire) by a nose, was associated with a string of great jumpers, including another special grey, One Man (Ire).

The latter was one of three Queen Mother Champion Chase winners for Hales, along with Azertyuiop (Fr) and Politologue (Fr), and recently he had extended his racing interests to a successful partnership with fellow leading owners Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Done and Ged Mason.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of some of Hales's top horses, announced the news of the owner's death on social media on Friday. He said, “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 was the co-founder of the Golden Bear Toys company, which produced toys associated with children's shows such as Teletubbies, Basil Brush and Thomas the Tank Engine.

A former president of British Showjumping, Hales also had a close association with Olympic showjumper Nick Skelton and his sons, Dan and Harry, now a leading National Hunt trainer and top jump jockey respectively.

He owned Skelton Sr's legendary showjumping stallion Arko III and most recently enjoyed success on the track with Protektorat (Fr), who won the Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase at Windsor earlier this month and is owned in partnership with Ferguson, Done and Mason.

Protektorat's trainer Dan Skelton said, “John was there that day. He hasn't been very well and it's been a bit up and down for him recently, but he looked great at Windsor and we had an absolutely fantastic day. 

“The Hales family have been unbelievable supporters of all horse sports – his contribution to showjumping shouldn't ever be underestimated either.

“He was one of the first supporters out of the blocks for me when I started my career and he's always supported Harry and my father and [sister-in-law] Bridget [Andrews].”

He continued, “He's had all those great horses, but he's got those great horses because people have wanted to do so well for him. He inspired people to do well and trusted people.”

 

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