LEGENDARY jockey and iconic trainer Geoff Lewis has died in a care home aged 89.
A household name through his association with the incredible Derby winner Mill Reef, Lewis had suffered a short illness.
He was born in Wales and moved to London to work in the Waldorf Hotel before becoming an apprentice jockey in Epsom.
There he quickly established himself as a natural in the saddle and rocketed up the ranks with multiple Group 1 and Classic victories.
But he will forever be remembered for his victories aboard Mill Reef.
And that Derby-winning year of 1971 was the highlight of a storied career for them both.
Together they dominated the biggest Flat races, claiming the Derby, Eclipse at Sandown, King George at Ascot and the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in French capital Paris.
Epsom-based trainer Simon Dow idolised Lewis, who had a second top career as a handler, and told the Mirror: “Geoff had been ill for a short period of time and been resident in a local care home.
“He passed away yesterday.
“I will remember him as an iconic figure both as a jockey when I was a boy but also as an exceptionally successful Flat trainer.
“It’s unusual for top jockeys to go on to be very successful Flat trainers.
“He did and I remember him having success at the highest level and being a strict disciplinarian.
“He was a legendary figure in Epsom throughout his entire life.
“I am sure he will be fondly remembered and we’d want people to appreciate and celebrate everything that he was, how much fun he was and how successful he was.
“He was a truly remarkable person from a different generation who touched a lot of people.”
More to follow.
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