'A remarkable man' New stamp collection to honour former PNE owner Trevor Hemmings

A highly successful businessman, originally from Leyland, property developer Hemmings went on to become one of the most recognised figures in horse racing with his racing colours becoming synonymous with some of the most renowned horses and jockeys in British and Irish horse racing.

Trevor’s place among racing’s elite was secured when he became the first owner to achieve three Grand National wins with three different horses, ensuring that both his name and his famous green, white and yellow silks will be forever synonymous with Aintree, home of the Randox Grand National.

The three-time Grand National-winning owner initially became involved with horse racing while working for Sir Fred Pontin, whose horse Specify won the Grand National in 1971. Sir Fred would often joke that he would leave Trevor his trophy when he died and as it turned out, Sir Fred held true to his promise, but this only fired up Trevor’s ambition to win the famous race with one of his own horses.

That dream became reality when in 2005, Hedgehunter was victorious under Ruby Walsh. Ballabriggs triumphed in 2011 when ridden by Jason Maguire and this was followed by the historic third Grand National win in 2015 when Many Clouds won with Leighton Aspell aboard. They appear in the six-stamp collection alongside other notable chasers from his stable, including Albertas Run, Cloth Cap, and Vintage Clouds.

A resident of the Isle of Man, Hemmings lived at his Ballaseyr Stud, where many of his former champions enjoyed their retirement. The collection, by The Isle of Man Post Office, features photography by Grossick Photography with text written by Kathryn Revitt, a trustee of the Hemmings Family Trust.

Outside of racing, Trevor Hemmings was a keen supporter of other forms of equestrianism. At the London Olympics in 2012 Zara Tindall rode his horse High Kingdom, winning a silver medal as part of the British eventing team - reportedly one of Trevor’s proudest moments.

In 2010, Hemmings also acquired Preston North End FC, having moved to Leyland as a child when his father had been transferred to the new Royal Ordnance factory at Chorley, and they had moved to 9 Lynton Avenue, Leyland.

Isle of Man Stamps & Coins General Manager, Maxine Cannon, said: “On behalf of Isle of Man Post Office, it is an honour to celebrate the life of Trevor Hemmings CVO with this landmark stamp issue. Trevor’s achievements in horse racing were extraordinary, driven by a love for the sport and enormousrespect for everyone involved. This issue reflects those values and proudly supports the Injured Jockeys Fund, a cause close to racing’s heart. We are very grateful to The Jockey Club, Grossick Photography, Kathryn Revitt and the Hemmings family for their generous support and assistance in bringing this tribute together.”

Well-known figures from the world of racing, equestrianism and broadcasting have offered their own personal memories of Trevor Hemmings CVO in support of this landmark collection.

Clare Balding, Broadcaster, said: “Trevor loved his horses. That shone through more than anything in the way he cared for them after they retired. Winning the Grand National was always a dream for him and to do it with three different horses was the ultimate achievement. He would always wear his cloth cap even under a top hat at Royal Ascot and he never forgot his roots as a working-class lad from Lancashire. He gave back so much to the community and to families who needed help and he had the kindest heart. Trevor was also an extraordinary businessman, a believer in the integrity of sporting competition, and an absolute diamond.”

Sir AP McCoy, former Champion Jockey & President of The Injured Jockeys Fund: “I was so lucky to get to know him, spend time with him, and ride a lot of his horses throughout most of my career. Most notably, Albertas Run, who I won 10 races, including 3 times at the Cheltenham Festival. Trevor was like all of us. He loved winning, and by God he won a lot, which he thoroughly deserved. He was a great supporter of horse racing, but he was also a very kind and generous man.

“I am President of the Injured Jockeys Fund, and I know personally what a huge contributor he had been for many years to our charity, especially when we were building one of our rehabilitation centres, Jack Berry house, which wouldn’t exist without Trevor's generosity. Lastly, I would say his greatest gift was the mostcharming way he had of making you feel at ease.”

Dickon White, Regional Director North West at The Jockey Club, said: “It has been a privilege to support Isle of Man Post Office on this very special project honouring Trevor Hemmings. Trevor was not only a remarkable man, but someone whose achievements and values left a lasting mark on the sport.

“His unique place in Grand National history, winning the race three times with three different horses, is extraordinary, and yet it was his love of racing and respect for everyone involved that truly defined him. This stamp collection is a fitting tribute to a proud Island resident and a great racing man, and we are honoured to have played a very small part in celebrating his remarkable legacy.”

Released on April 7, the Trevor J. Hemmings CVO Horse Racing Legacy stamp issue is available online at https://iomstamps.com/collections/hemmings. The collection includes a Set, First Day Cover, Presentation Pack and Self-Adhesive Prestige Booklet.