Death Of Peter Walwyn

Peter Walwyn MBE, who will forever be associated with the great champion Grundy (GB) (Great Nephew {GB}) has died aged 84. Walwyn, who was based for the majority of his training career at Seven Barrows in Lambourn, was champion trainer in Britain on two occasions in 1974 and 1975, the same year Grundy enjoyed his splendid campaign that saw the colt win the G1 2000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Irish Derby and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. That King George win, when he prevailed after a terrific tussle with Bustino (GB) (Busted {GB}) has been ranked as one of the most iconic races of the century. Walwyn retired from training in 1999 after saddling 1,900 winners and was appointed an honorary member of the Jockey Club. He was also awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2012 for his services to racing. Among the many to pay tribute to Walwyn was Charlie Hills who trains nearby to Walwyn's former base. “Very sad to hear of the passing of Peter Walwyn. He was an amazing man, a real trail blazer in his profession and a huge friend to the village of Lambourn. It's hard to put into words how much he will be missed,” Hills wrote on Twitter.

Walwyn, who is survived by his two children Edward and Kate and two grandchildren, was chairman of the Lambourn Trainers Association for ten years up until 1999 and the current chairman Merrick Francis said, “He's been 'Mr Lambourn' all his life, really. Basically he formed the association many years ago and it is thanks to him that we have what we have today. Even at the very end he was ringing me up and checking I was doing things properly – it's very sad news.”

He continued, “I went to see him a couple of weeks ago, he'd had a few minor strokes over the last few years but he was able to sit up and watch racing every day, he still took a keen interest and always made sure I was on top of things.”

The champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson who now trains in Seven Barrows was fulsome in his tribute to Walwyn and said, “He was a wonderful friend. He did so much for so many people. He led a lot of crusades. He was such an amazing character and incredible enthusiast for everything, but racing and Lambourn in particular. His great character sometimes made you overlook the fact that he was a legendary trainer during his days at Seven Barrows when he was at the pinnacle of Flat racing.”