Dick Hern

Who was Dick Hern?

William Richard "Dick" Hern, CVO, was an English Thoroughbred racehorse trainer and winner of sixteen British Classic Races between 1962 and 1995, and was Champion Trainer on four occasions.

Following his early career in the Army, he became a riding instructor, including a spell as instructor to the Olympic gold medal winning team in 1952. His first training licence was as private trainer to Major Lionel Holliday in 1958, at La Grange Stables in Newmarket, before moving to West Ilsley at the end of the 1962 season to take over from R. J. 'Jack' Colling.

Hern became a St. Leger Stakes specialist, winning the event six times. He produced three Epsom Derby winners in Troy, Henbit and Nashwan, who also won the 2,000 Guineas and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Hern trained Brigadier Gerard who was only beaten once in eighteen races. Other major winners include Sun Princess, Dayjur, Hethersett, Bireme, Bustino, Longboat, Little Wolf, Petoski, Highclere, Provoke, Prince of Dance, Minster Son, Unfuwain, Dunfermline and Cut Above.

In December 1984 Hern was seriously injured in a hunting accident, after which time he used a wheelchair.