Hobbs dies aged 84

Bruce Hobbs, who won the Grand National as a 17-year-old in 1938 before becoming a successful trainer on the Flat, has died aged 84.

Hobbs passed away in Kingfisher House in Newmarket on Monday evening having had his left leg amputated earlier this year after efforts to bypass a blocked artery failed.

“He had been very unwell and not really recovered from that operation,” his wife Vicky told the Racing Post.

Hobbs rode 40-1 chance Battleship to victory in the Aintree showpiece as a teenager having ridden his first winner at Wolverhampton two years earlier.

Soon after giving up life in the saddle he took out a trainer’s license and was associated with some great names including 1980 Irish Derby winner Tyrnavos and champion two-year-olds Jacinth, Tromos and Cry Of Truth.

Jacinth captured the Cheveley Park for Hobbs, whose roll of honour as a trainer included victories in the Falmouth, Dewhurst, Gimcrack and Goodwood Cup, amongst others.