Sir Alex Ferguson’s close mate and racing legend John Hales dead aged 84 as sport remembers a ‘great man’
Sir Alex Ferguson’s close mate and racing legend John Hales dead aged 84 as sport remembers a ‘great man’
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SIR ALEX FERGUSON'S close mate and legendary racing owner John Hales has sadly died aged 84. A Grand National-winning owner who amassed his huge fortune making toys, Hales was a titan of racing. Trainer Paul Nicholls confirmed his sad passing. The Ditcheat handler wrote: "It is with great sadness to report that John Hales passed away last evening. "A great man and a fantastic owner and friend for many people .
![[Sir Alex Ferguson, John Hales, and Bryan Robson at the Cheltenham Festival.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-wednesday-13th-march-sir-887015318.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"Thoughts with his wife Pat and his wonderful family. He will be missed by so many in racing. RIP John.". Hales, who was from Shifnal in Shropshire, co-owned a number of top horses with the former Manchester United boss and fellow pals Ged Mason and Peter Done. Hales' own distinctive yellow silks were carried to ultimate glory in 2012 by awesome grey Neptune Collonges. Ridden by the recently-retired Daryl Jacob, 33-1 Neptune Collonges prevailed by a nose in an all-time thriller with Sunnyhillboy.
![[Owner John Hales embracing a woman after a horse race win.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-owner-john-hales-protektorat-964998930.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
