Five-Time Champion Hurdle Winning Trainer Peter Easterby Dies

Former Yorkshire trainer Peter Easterby dies at the age of 95. With a statement released on ‘X’ by son Tim Easterby, saying he passed away peacefully on Monday (9th June) morning.

Yorkshire Training Legend Peter Easterby Dies Aged 95

Having started training in 1950, Peter Easterby was the leader in the Yorkshire training legacy that has also seen his brother Mick fire in a stack of winners over the years.

Peter started his training career first though – eleven years before Mick – and despite taking three years to win a race went onto train over 1000 winners over BOTH codes.

Famed for his dual-purpose training ability, Peter Easterby was responsible for a staggering five Champion Hurdle winners that included Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse. Plus, also cemented this name on the Cheltenham Gold Cup winners’ list twice.

It was in 1981 that Peter Easterby peaked at the Cheltenham Festival when Sea Pigeon landed the Champion Hurdle and Little Owl added the Gold Cup in the same year.

Since then, only Kim Bailey (1995), Henry De Bromhead (2021 & 2022) and Willie Mullins (2024) have won both races in the same campaign.

While on the flat Easterby was famed for winning the big northern handicaps – including two Lincolns and three Ayr Gold Cup. He also won the Chester Cup twice, with his best season on the level in 1979 when he finished ninth in the flat trainer’ championship.

Son Tim announced that Peter Easterby does on his X account.

Saying – “he passed away peacefully in his own home with his family by his side. A true gentleman, legendary racehorse trainer, passionate farmer, lover of country sports and an incredibly proud father and grandfather.”

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my father Peter Easterby. He passed away peacefully in his own home with his family by his side. A true gentleman, legendary racehorse trainer, passionate farmer, lover of country sports and an incredibly proud father and… pic.twitter.com/cq5WnabHt3

— Tim Easterby Racing (@EasterbyTim) June 9, 2025

Champion Hurdle Winners

Cheltenham Gold Cup Winners

Peter Easterby Retired In 1996 – Handing Over To Son Tim

Peter Easterby’s training career spanned 46 years – from 1950 to 1996 – when he handed over his license at his son Tim and assisted by Peter’s grandson William.

At this point he’d sent out 2,513 winners with his last runner a winning one – when Balhernoch won a Novice Hurdle at Sedgefield.