The world of horse racing has lost one of its most beloved figures.
Peter Easterby, the legendary trainer behind some of Britain’s most iconic jump racehorses, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning.
He was 95, surrounded by his loving family.
His son, Tim Easterby—himself a well-known trainer—broke the news with a heartfelt statement.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my father, Peter Easterby.
He passed away peacefully in his own home with his family by his side.
A true gentleman, legendary racehorse trainer, passionate farmer, lover of country sports and an incredibly proud father and grandfather.”
Nearly 50 Years of Racing Greatness
Peter Easterby’s career spanned close to half a century, and during that time he firmly established himself as one of the sport’s greats.
His achievements were vast: five Champion Hurdles, two Cheltenham Gold Cups, and multiple wins on the Flat.
He got his start in 1950, eleven years before his younger brother Mick entered the profession.
It took him three years to notch his first win, but once he found his rhythm, Easterby was unstoppable.
In the 1960s, he had early success at Royal Ascot with a horse named Goldhill, scoring two wins that marked the beginning of an impressive career.
The Stars of His Stable
Easterby trained some of the most famous names in racing history, with Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse topping the list.
Both horses became legends in the late 1970s and early 1980s, each winning two Champion Hurdles under his guidance.
These two iconic horses were so treasured that they were laid to rest in the grounds of Easterby’s stables at Habton Grange, near Malton in North Yorkshire.
That same yard is now run by his son Tim, continuing the family legacy.
Big Wins on the Flat Too
Though he was best known for his success over jumps, Easterby was no stranger to flat racing victories.
He celebrated two wins in the Lincoln Handicap and added three Ayr Gold Cups to his résumé.
His versatile star Sea Pigeon not only dominated the hurdles but also clinched prestigious Flat titles including the Ebor Handicap, two Chester Cups, and three Vaux Gold Tankards.
His best Flat season came in 1979 when he impressively finished ninth in the trainers’ championship.
A Fitting Farewell to the Sport
By the time Peter retired in 1996, he had trained a staggering 2,513 winners.
Remarkably, his final runner, Balhernoch, won a novice hurdle at Sedgefield—an almost storybook ending to a glorious career.
The racing community was quick to pay tribute.
Yorkshire-based Go Racing honoured him in a statement, calling him “the patriarch of a racing dynasty” and praising his record-breaking achievements and lasting legacy.
“He set standards and broke many records,” the tribute read.
“An incredibly popular man held in high regard by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family.”
A Lasting Legacy That Lives On
Though Peter Easterby is no longer with us, his legacy is deeply embedded in British horse racing.
His impact is not just measured by titles and trophies, but by the high regard in which he was held and the strong family tradition he inspired.
He leaves behind a dynasty that continues to thrive under his son Tim’s leadership.
The stables at Habton Grange still echo with the triumphs of the past, and the Easterby name remains synonymous with racing excellence.
Rest in peace, Peter. You gave the racing world your all—and then some.