Redcar Racecourse has today paid tribute to Edward Hide, one of the greatest jockeys to ever grace the track.

Eddie passed away peacefully, aged 86, surrounded by his family, and Redcar plans to pay tribute to him at its next meeting on September 19.

The North Yorkshire-based jockey rode his first winner at 14 and went on to land six English Classics, with the highlight coming in 1973 when he won the Epsom Derby on Morston.

Eddie was Cock of the North 16 times, with Redcar being one of his most successful tracks. He won the Zetland Gold Cup three times, starting with Henry VII in 1962, followed by Move Off in 1977 and Say Primula in 1987. Henry VII, trained by Bill Elsey, won the Group 1 Eclipse Stakes six weeks later.

News of his death was announced by his son, the travel writer and journalist Will Hide, who wrote on social media: “You think your folks will go on forever but we all know that can’t be the case. My Dad passed away peacefully in Yorkshire holding the hands of Mum and my sister Lizzie. A life very well lived and well-loved. We’ll miss you, Dad.”

ITV Racing commentator Richard Hoiles said: “Truly a life to celebrate. Ahead of his time in so many ways."

Redcar's general manager, Amy Fair, said: "Generations of Redcar racegoers will have fond memories of Edward Hide because he was such a regular visitor to the winner's enclosure here.

"Given his history at Redcar, we plan to pay a fitting tribute to him at our next meeting on September 19 and we will announce further details once we have been able to talk to his family."