TRIBUTES were paid in Britain yesterday to former Royal trainer Major Dick Hern (69), who announced his intention to retire at the end of this season. John Dunlop led the praise, saying: "His success over the years was quite remarkable."
Hern first became directly involved in racing in 1952, as assistant to Major Michael Pope, but by 1957 had been appointed private trainer to one of the turf's leading owners, Lionel Brook Holliday.
It was the beginning of an illustrious career for Hern, who later became Queen Elizabeth's trainer and gained 17 successes in British classics as well as landing four trainers' championships.
Hern started training for the Queen in 1967 and enjoyed considerable success during the 22 year association. In 1974 he trained Highclere to win the 1000 Guineas and Prix de Diane (French Oaks) while in 1977 Dunfermline landed the Oaks and St Leger. In 1980, he won six Group One races, including the Derby with Henbit and the Oaks with Bireme.
By far the finest of Hern's runners in that period was Brigadier Gerard, who won 17 of his 18 starts, including a brilliant 2000 Guineas victory over Mill Reef. Bustino (St Leger) and Troy (Derby), also brought further classic glory to the stable.
The stable's fortunes took a turn for the worse after Hern broke his neck in December 1984 while hunting. He had a further setback in October, breaking his leg at home. His health suffered again when he had major heart surgery in 1988. But in 1989 he was back to enjoy further success with Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Nashwan. The marvellous colt landed the 2000 Guineas, Derby, Eclipse and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes.
Nashwan's success cushioned the major blow Hern suffered when his association with Queen Elizabeth ended somewhat acrimoniously after she refused to renew the trainer's lease at West Ilsley.
Although she altered her decision by allowing Hern to share West Ilsley with Willie Hastings Bass, for a season, Hern switched to new stables at Kingswood Stud, the property of Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Estates, near Lambourn, in February 1991. Since the move, Hern continued the flow of winners and Harayir landed the 1995 1000 Guineas. In the same season Alhaarth won the 1995 Dewhurst Stakes and became the leading European two year old.
