The world of racing has been paying tribute to classic-winning trainer Barry Hills who has died aged 88.

And his passing has brought back memories of a link between of one of the greatest trainers of his generation and Redcar Racecourse.

In the Spring of 1972, Hills trained a bay colt called Rheingold to easily win The Roseberry Stakes at Redcar under Ernie Johnson.

The three-year-old colt went on to be a gallant runner-up to Roberto in the Epsom Derby before winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe the following year. Ridden by Lester Piggott that day, Rheingold beat the legendary French mare Allez France.

That arguably makes him the best horse to ever run at Redcar.

Hills trained 3,181 winners in Britain during three spells in Lambourn, as well as Robert Sangster's Manton Estate in Wiltshire.

He won four of the five English classics at least once but missed out on the Derby, despite finishing second with Rheingold, Hawaiian Sound, Glacial Storm and Blue Stag.

Fellow trainer Ralph Beckett said: "As a trainer and a man, he was an example and a hero to all my generation."

Racing Post tribute: https://www.racingpost.com/news/britain/barry-hills-legendary-trainer-and-head-of-a-major-racing-dynasty-dies-at-the-age-of-88-a5pUH3D8cf7i/