A Legendary Career in Racing

Take a nostalgic look back at the remarkable career of Peter Easterby, one of British racing’s most celebrated and successful trainers.

Throughout his illustrious career, Peter Easterby became renowned for his ability to nurture exceptional, versatile racehorses, many of whom were purchased for modest sums from the lower end of the bloodstock market. The result was an extraordinary collection of champions whose achievements remain etched in racing history.

Few could forget the brilliance of Sea Pigeon, a dual Champion Hurdle winner who also captured the Chester Cup twice. At the age of nine, he produced one of his most memorable performances when carrying top weight of 10st to victory in the 1979 Ebor Handicap at York.

Equally unforgettable was Night Nurse, another dual Champion Hurdle champion, whose remarkable versatility extended to the staying chase division. In 1981, he came agonisingly close to winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup, finishing just behind Little Owl, who, in a remarkable twist, was also trained by Easterby.

These outstanding horses were just part of an extraordinary roll call of talent. Saucy Kit gave Easterby his first Champion Hurdle victory in 1967, while Alverton captured the 1979 Cheltenham Gold Cup before tragically losing his life in the Grand National the following month.

Peter Easterby's Cheltenham Festival successes also included Clayside, Town Ship, King Weasel and Ryeman. Other outstanding hurdlers, such as Stirling and Within The Law, further enhanced his reputation, while accomplished chasers including Easby Abbey and Father Delaney demonstrated the remarkable depth of his stable.

His achievements were by no means confined to the jumps. On the Flat, the exceptionally fast Goldhill won the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, while Sonnen Gold claimed the Gimcrack Stakes. Old Tom and Bronze Hill each landed the Lincoln Handicap, and Able Albert, Polly's Brother and Final Shot provided Peter Easterby with an impressive hat-trick of Ayr Gold Cup victories.

From affordable recruits to racing superstars, Peter Easterby's horses consistently punched above their weight, delivering memorable performances on some of the sport's biggest stages.

The Easterby name has long been synonymous with British racing, particularly in Yorkshire, where Peter's achievements helped establish a lasting family legacy and cemented his place among the sport's great training figures.

Champion Trainer

Peter Easterby was crowned British Champion Trainer in three consecutive seasons:

1978/79

1979/80

1980/81

Major Race Victories

Peter Easterby's distinguished record includes victories in some of the most prestigious races in British and Irish racing:

Champion Hurdle — five victories

Cheltenham Gold Cup — two victories

Arkle Trophy — three victories

Irish Sweeps Hurdle

Schweppes Gold Trophy

Ayr Gold Cup — three victories

Gimcrack Stakes

Lincoln Handicap — two victories

Chester Cup — two victories

Ebor Handicap

Newbury Spring Cup

King's Stand Stakes

Peter Easterby's career stands as a testament to horsemanship, patience and an exceptional eye for talent. A legacy built on champions, unforgettable moments and a lasting contribution to the history of British racing.