Sad News for Racing World

The horse racing community is in mourning as legendary trainer Neville Callaghan has passed away at the age of 77. Known for his incredible career spanning nearly four decades, Callaghan trained over 800 winners on the Flat and almost 100 over jumps.

A Career of Success

Callaghan's impressive list of accomplishments includes training the Group 1-winning horse Danehill Dancer, who achieved a memorable double in 1995. Throughout his career, he also had notable successes with Fairy Heights, Stanford, and Always Valiant. His versatility shone through with Irish Champion Hurdle winners Royal Vulcan and Royal Derbi in 1983 and 1993 respectively.

A Touching Tribute

Callaghan's son Simon, who is now a successful trainer in the United States, paid tribute to his late father with a heartfelt post on social media. Describing him as his "biggest supporter," Simon expressed his love with two heart emojis.

Tributes Pour In

The news of Callaghan's passing has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from the racing community. Former jockey Tom Scudamore and Sky Sports Racing host Alex Hammond were among those who sent their condolences.

A Colorful Character

Trainer David Elsworth fondly remembered Callaghan as a "Jekyll and Hyde" character who was both mischievous and lovable. Despite his love for controversy and a good bet, Callaghan remained a popular figure in the sport.

Fond Memories

Luca Cumani, who played a significant role in Frankie Dettori's career, shared his memories of Callaghan. While admitting to receiving a fair share of scoldings from the late trainer, Cumani emphasized that any disagreements were quickly forgotten. Callaghan had been a beloved figure in Newmarket for over 50 years.

A Unique Character

John Gosden, another prominent figure in the racing world, described Callaghan as a true trailblazer and an unforgettable personality.

Legacy and Family

Although Callaghan never won a Classic race, he came close with the 100-1 shot Rebel Rebel in the 2005 2000 Guineas. He is survived by his wife Jenny, son Simon, and daughter Camilla.