New stamps celebrate horse racing legend's legacy
The three-time Grand National winner is remembered in a special collection of Isle of Man stamps.
Trevor Hemmings had a 50-year association with horse racing [IOMPO] The life of the legendary racehorse owner Trevor Hemmings has been celebrated in a special collection of stamps ahead of the Grand National. A three-time Aintree winner, Hemmings – who died in 2021 at the age of 86 – was one of the most respected figures in the sport during his 50-year career. The set features images of his most famous horses alongside tributes from several well-known racing figures, including broadcaster Clare Balding, former jockey Sir AP McCoy and Olympian Zara Tindall.
Born in London, billionaire businessman Hemmings grew up in Lancashire but spent his later life living on the Isle of Man, where many of his champion horses spent their retirement. Victories in the Grand National were secured by Hedgehunter in 2005, Ballabriggs in 2011 and Many Clouds in 2015. His jockeys all wore his stable colours of green, yellow and white.
The collection features pictures by Grossick Photography alongside text by trustee of the Hemmings Family Trust, Kathryn Revitt. Balding said Hemmings' love of horses "shone through more than anything in the way he cared for them after they retired". She said he was an "absolute diamond" who "gave back so much to the community and to families who needed help and he had the kindest heart".
Ballabriggs was the second horse owned by Hemmings to win the famous Aintree race [IOMPO] Released by the Isle of Man Post Office, the stamp collection will support the Injured Jockey's Fund. Former champion jockey and fund president McCoy said he was "so lucky" to get to know Hemmings. He rode many of his horses, even winning 10 races on one of them.