Two Grand National legends, Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs, are now enjoying a quiet retirement at Ballaseyr Stud in Andreas.
The Jockey Club visited the island to meet the pair, guided by current owner Katherine Revitt, who shared the story behind the late Trevor Hemmings’ remarkable National legacy.
“Trevor always loved horses… one or two was never enough, and so eventually got to nearly 100 in training at his peak,” Katherine said.
“His dream was always to win the Grand National… and in 2005 he managed to do that with Hedgehunter.”
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Hedgehunter, now 30 years old, remains gentle and bright. “He just lives his life in the field,” Katherine explained, noting his special diet and round‑the‑clock turnout.
Ballabriggs, bought as a yearling and sent to Donald McCain, delivered Hemmings’ next National triumph in 2011. “He won the Kim Muir at Cheltenham and put his mark down then as a National contender… and yeah, did the job in 2011.”
Katherine also reflected on Many Clouds, another Hemmings great: “Nobody was really interested in Many Clouds… Trevor said, ‘Well, I’ll buy him.’ And he was a super horse.”
Today, the stud continues to honour Hemmings’ colours. “We would run horses that Trevor had bought, but we won’t buy any to race in his silks… it’s about continuing what Trevor had started.”
