Dick Hern: The Authorised Biography - Softcover

Willett, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340792647 ISBN 13: 9780340792643

Publisher: Coronet Books, 2001

Synopsis

During his career as a British Classic racehorse trainer Dick Hern was responsible for several of the all-time great Derby winners. His horses include Troy, Henbit, Nashwin and the unforgettable Brigadier Gerard. Dick Hern was one of the most influential and respected characters in the racing world of the 20th century and unique among trainers as a brilliant all-round horseman. But in 1984 a horrific hunting fall left him paralysed. In 1990, his much-publicised ejection from the Queen's stables in West Ilsley once again threatened his career, but with his irrepressible courage he was determined to continue. The book includes full details of Major Hern's ejection from the Queen's stables in West Ilsley which resulted in Willie Carson refusing to ride for the Queen.

About this title

Review

In the gallop he jumped off, went full tilt, and was soon in a clear lead. At the finish ... the closest of the others was 50 yards behind. The evidence that Brigadier Gerard was something out of the ordinary was unmistakeable.

A gifted horseman, with one of the most outstanding Classic-winning training records of all time, Dick Hern, The Major, has also been celebrated--unfairly, this book contends, with some justification--as a notably unpleasant man, whose behaviour towards journalists and fellow professionals could sometimes be an unfortunate adjunct to his undoubted ability.

Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the story of Brigadier Gerard--arguably the most outstanding and celebrated animal that Hern ever trained. This authorised account of that remarkable horse's hugely successful career makes for fascinating reading, but is overshadowed by a never before made public chronicle of the breathtakingly rancorous, and ultimately severed, relationship between Hern and the owner/breeders of the Brigadier, John and Jean Hislop, both now deceased. That the three could have shared such success, and yet their partnership have ended so acrimoniously, is remarkable to say the least--as is the vigour with which Jean Hislop, in particular, is condemned by Willett's version of the story.

This is an unique perspective on the life and career of a significant figure in Turf history, and while one might wish for a more direct sense of contact with the man himself, those who have already read around the subject shouldn't hesitate from adding this to their racing bookshelf. Newcomers, or those whose preference is for the more elegiac strand of sports literature, might find this harder going. --Alex Hankin

About the Author

Peter Willett is a life-long friend of Dick Hern and has exclusive access to his story. He is one of the world's leading experts on the thoroughbred and also an extremely well-respected racing journalist. He been both the President of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the Chairman of Trustees of the British European Breeders Fund.

Edition details

• Publisher: Coronet Books
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0340792647
• ISBN 13: 9780340792643
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336