The Making of a Racing Legend
William Richard “Dick” Hern—universally known as Major Dick Hern, was a man who brought military precision and a steely resolve to British horse racing, leaving a legacy that endures in every corner of the sport.
Born in Somerset in 1921, Hern’s path to the pantheon of trainers was anything but ordinary. He served with distinction in North Africa and Italy during the Second World War, rising to the rank of Major—a title that would stick with him for life, and not just because of his army background.
After the war, Hern became a riding instructor, even coaching the British equestrian team to gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. But it was in the racing world that he would truly make his mark, taking out his first training licence in 1958 as a private trainer for Major Lionel Holliday.
By the end of 1962, Hern had moved to West Ilsley, a move that would set the stage for one of the most glittering careers in British racing history.
West Ilsley and the Queen: A Royal Partnership
When Hern took over West Ilsley, he inherited a stable steeped in tradition. But it was his partnership with Queen Elizabeth II that would elevate both to new heights.
Hern began training for Her Majesty in 1967, and over the next two decades, he delivered some of the most memorable moments in royal racing history.
Among his royal successes, none shone brighter than Dunfermline, who won both the Epsom Oaks and the St Leger in 1977—fittingly, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year.
Another royal star was Highclere, who triumphed in the 1,000 Guineas and the French Oaks (Prix de Diane) in 1974, cementing Hern’s reputation as the Queen’s master tactician.
The Horses: Champions Forged by the Major
It’s impossible to discuss Major Hern without a roll call of the equine legends he trained. His stable was a veritable Hall of Fame, and his list of Classic winners reads like a racing fan’s dream:
- Brigadier Gerard: The horse many call the greatest of the 20th century, winning 17 of 18 starts, including the 2,000 Guineas, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Champion Stakes. His only defeat came in the inaugural Benson & Hedges Gold Cup, a loss that still sparks debate in racing circles.
- Nashwan: In 1989, Nashwan completed an unprecedented four-timer, winning the 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Eclipse Stakes, and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Ridden by Willie Carson, Nashwan became a national hero and a potent symbol of Hern’s genius.
- Troy: The 1979 Derby winner, also victorious in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup, Troy was a powerhouse who left rivals trailing in his wake.
- Henbit: Winner of the 1980 Derby, Henbit was another feather in Hern’s already crowded cap.
- Dayjur: Dubbed the “world’s fastest horse” by the Racing Post, Dayjur swept the major sprints in 1990, including the King’s Stand Stakes and Nunthorpe Stakes, and was only narrowly denied in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
- Sun Princess: Her 12-length demolition in the 1983 Oaks remains a record, and she added the St Leger and Yorkshire Oaks for good measure.
- Bireme, Bustino, Ela-Mana-Mou, Petoski, Little Wolf, Longboat, Minster Son, Unfuwain, Dunfermline, and Highclere, all Classic or Group 1 winners, all trained by the Major.
The Jockeys: Mercer and Carson – Saddling Up for Glory
A great trainer needs great jockeys, and Hern had two of the very best in Joe Mercer and Willie Carson.
Joe Mercer: The Quiet Genius
Mercer was Hern’s first stable jockey at West Ilsley, and together they forged a formidable partnership. Mercer rode Brigadier Gerard in all his races, steering him to near-perfection and earning the respect of peers and punters alike. He also delivered Classic wins for Hern on horses like Highclere and Dunfermline.
Mercer’s loyalty was legendary, and even after he was controversially replaced, he and Hern remained close friends. As Lester Piggott once quipped, “There are only two real jockeys, and the other one is Joe Mercer”.
Willie Carson: The Diminutive Dynamo
In 1977, Carson took over as the first jockey at West Ilsley, and the results were immediate. He partnered Troy, Henbit, Nashwan, and Dayjur to Classic and Group 1 glory, forming one of racing’s most successful trainer-jockey duos.
Watch Willie Carson’s Great rides here….. https://youtu.be/Blfe2ebruCE?si=lq9dru-84HbVgOpd
Carson’s energy and tactical nous perfectly complemented Hern’s meticulous planning, and together they dominated the big races of the late 1970s and 1980s.
Triumph Over Adversity: The Hunting Accident and Beyond
In December 1984, Hern’s life changed forever. A fall while hunting left him paralysed from the waist down. Lesser men might have retired, but not the Major. From his wheelchair, he continued to train at the highest level, adapting his methods and relying on his sharp eye and trusted staff.
His resilience was rewarded with further Classic victories, including Nashwan’s unforgettable 1989 campaign. As John Dunlop remarked, “He was one of the bravest men you could meet and the greatest trainer I have known”.
Controversy at the Palace: The Sacking Heard Round the Racing World
In 1988, while recovering from heart surgery, Hern was unceremoniously sacked as the Queen’s principal trainer by her racing manager, Lord Carnarvon. The decision caused uproar in the racing community, with many viewing it as a grave injustice to a man who had delivered so much royal success.
A compromise was eventually reached, allowing Hern to share the West Ilsley stables for a year before moving to Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Kingwood House Stables. The episode, though painful, did nothing to diminish his standing in the sport.
The Major’s Methods: Discipline, Detail, and Dedication
Hern’s military background was evident in his approach to training. He was known for his discipline, attention to detail, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence.
While some found him curmudgeonly or autocratic, those who worked closely with him spoke of his loyalty, dry wit, and deep care for his horses and staff.
He inspired fierce devotion among his team, and his ability to spot and nurture talent, both equine and human, was second to none.
As one former stable lad recalled, “It was only the good fortune of having a great horse… and a boss he respected, to a degree, that kept him there.
The dream of getting rides soon evaporated for most of the 18 apprentices promised as such, who tended to be there at any time. Despite that, he says it was a period in his life he would never have changed”.
Legacy: The Major’s Enduring Impact
When Major Dick Hern passed away in 2002 at the age of 81, British racing lost one of its true giants. His 16 British Classic victories, four Champion Trainer titles, and the galaxy of champions he produced are only part of his legacy.
Perhaps more important is the standard he set, a standard of professionalism, resilience, and sheer love of the sport.
His story reminds us that greatness is forged not just in the winner’s enclosure but also in the quiet moments of adversity, the tough decisions, and the unwavering pursuit of perfection.
Where to Go Next
- For a deep dive into the career of Brigadier Gerard – Watch here – https://youtu.be/19oFAl0sEl8
- Explore more about Willie Carson’s legendary partnership with Hern.
- Discover the history of West Ilsley Stables and its role in shaping modern racing.
In the words of the Major himself, when asked about a Derby winner, “He’s a nice horse. I always liked him. That was a good race.” Understatement, perhaps—but then, for Dick Hern, the results always spoke for themselves.
