Four-time Arc-winning trainer Alec Head dies aged 97
Tributes paid to hugely influential figure in French racing.
Alec Head, part of one of the great French racing dynasties, has died aged 97. Head’s father and grandfather were both successful jockeys-turned-trainers called William, with Head following in their footsteps by riding before taking out his licence and being crowned France’s leading handler for four successive years between 1952 and 1955. During his training career, Head sent out four Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winners in Nuccio (1952), Saint-Crespin (1959), Ivanjica (1976) and Gold River (1981) and also won the Derby at Epsom with Lavandin in 1956. Head, along with his father and brother Peter, also established the Haras du Quesnay stud near Deauville, with such racings greats as Prudent, Le Fabuleux, Bon Mot, Astec, Chaparral, Riverqueen, Detroit, Bering, Ravinella, and dual Arc heroine Treve either bred or associated with the yard. Head’s family is steeped in racing, with both his son Freddy and daughter Criquette excelling in the sport. Freddy Head was a six-times champion jockey in France and is a highly successful trainer, while Criquette stated out as assistant to her father before taking out her own licence in 1978. She became the first woman to train an Arc winner the following year when Three Troikas – owned by her mother Ghislaine and ridden by her brother – triumphed at Longchamp, and expertly guided the career of Treve. Freddy Head’s son Christopher is also now a trainer in Chantilly. France Galop said Head was the “heir to a family tradition, but also a founder driven by exceptional vision and energy” and that his name was “known to all” in “the four corners” of the racing world, adding: “To his wife Ghislaine, to his children Freddy, Criquette, Patricia and Martine, France Galop sends its deepest condolences.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Skelton edges in front of Mullins in epic trainers’ title tussle
Ayr treble sets matters up perfectly ahead of Scottish Grand National day.
-
Ffrench Davis would love to target Chester Cup with Prince Alex
Lambourn trainer delighted with Newbury winner.
-
Derby bid on the agenda for Voyage after belated debut win
Richard Hannon continued his good run of form at Newbury.
-
Skelton relying on Sud missile to strike crucial blow
Scottish Champion Hurdle hope expected to be ‘a very big player’.
-
Mullins looking to hit title rivals for six in Scottish National
Irish maestro bidding to pull clear of Dan Skelton and Paul Nicholls at Ayr.
-
Successful Ayr raid could go a long way to clinching title for Mullins
Patrick: ‘If we can get out ahead, that will be huge’.
-
Hawaiian looks good in keeping up Hannon momentum
Newcomer looks a Royal Ascot type in Newbury victory.
-
Ballymount aiming to be top Boy in Greenham
‘He’s only a length off the highest-rated three-year-old in England in Vandeek’.
-
Classic route could be clearer for Regal Jubilee after Fred Darling test
Gosden-trained filly full of potential, in what looks a smart renewal.