A DERBY-WINNING jockey hailed as a 'genius' has sadly died aged 86.
Edward Hide, who passed away peacefully holding the hands of his wife and daughter, landed the biggest Flat race in the world in 1973 on 25-1 outsider Morston.
Based in the north, he was a winning-machine on the track and incredibly had his first race aged just 13.
He banged in a total of 2,593 winners but was never crowned champion, although he did win 'Cock of the North' – the accolade given to the top northern jockey – 16 times.
Another of his biggest days in the sun came when he landed the 1977 1000 Guineas on 16-1 outsider Mrs McArdy, five years after winning it on Waterloo.
The 2000 Guineas was the only Classic he didn't win in his 36-year career.
Mrs McArdy was trained by Mick Easterby and he told the Racing Post how much Hide meant to him, labelling him a 'genius'.
Easterby said: "He was incredible. I can't praise him highly enough.
"He rode my best horses, Mrs McArdy and Lochnager, who he stole the July Cup on, they never got near him."
Hide based himself with wife Sue near Malton in Yorkshire but rarely ventured to the races in later life.
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He said in 2003: "I rode from 13 to 49, 36 years.
"I was pleased to have the chance of becoming a jockey and to finish up sixth in the all time winners list of jockeys when I retired was beyond all expectations.
"It was never easy but it was the only thing I ever wanted to do and I was very pleased I was able to ride for so long.
"I very seldom go to the races now."
Hide's son William wrote after his dad's death: "You think your folks will go on forever but we all know that can’t be the case.
"My Dad passed away peacefully overnight in Yorkshire holding the hands of Mum and my sister Lizzie.
"A life very well lived & well loved. We’ll miss you Dad."
Another punter paying tribute to Hide wrote: "Sad to hear that Derby-winning rider Edward Hide has died.
"He rode Blakeney and Morston to victory at Epsom, both trained by Arthur Budgett. Top jockey."
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While another comment read: "A true Yorkshire racing legend."
Hide is survived by his wife of 60 years, and son and daughter.
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