News
lec Head, a legendary figure within French racing circles, died last month at the age of 97. Head was hugely successful across different sectors of the industry, notably as a trainer and latterly as an owner and breeder at his Haras du Quesnay in Normandy. He also leaves behind an immense legacy as the father of Freddy, Criquette, Martine and Patricia, each successful in differing roles within the sport in their own right, and grandfather of Christopher, an emerging force within the French training ranks. Born in 1924, Head initially followed in the footsteps of his father, William Head, by becoming a successful jockey. He had a brief but successful stint in the saddle, steering Vatelys to success in the Grand Course de Haies d’Auteuil in 1946 before a bad fall brought the curtain down on his riding career at the age of 23. Head retired with 160 victories – 92 on the Flat and 68 over jumps – to his credit yet was to prove even more of a success as a trainer. An early association with the Aga Khan
GEORGE SELWYN
Alec Head, doyen of French racing scene, dies aged 97 A
and then his son Aly Khan bore fruit in the 1952 Arc hero Nuccio. Head was then still in his formative years as a trainer and come the end of the decade had also saddled the Aga Khan’s Buisson d’Argent to victory in the 1956 Poule d’Essai des Poulains, the owner’s fillies Toro and
Ginetta to win the 1957 and 1959 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches and colt Saint Crespin III to win the 1959 Arc. Aly Khan’s Yla also won the 1958 Pouliches.
Miranda Filmer fund hits £225,000 A charity appeal has rapidly raised over £225,000 in memory of Miranda Filmer, a talented equestrian rider and devoted racing fan, who passed away on June 10 aged 30 after a brave battle against Neuroendocrine cancer. Brought up in Wiltshire, Miranda, who worked for Anderson & Co Publishing, was only three when she first sat on a pony, however the experience ignited a lifelong passion for horses. She began to compete at Pony Club from the age of five and aged seven started to hunt with the VWH. After winning the pairs VWH hunter trial at Wickstead, Miranda worked for Polly Williamson at Charlton Park before work experience with William Fox-Pitt, later taking on roles with Mike and Emma Winter and Gubby Leach, for
18
THE OWNER BREEDER
whom she was head girl. Diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Miranda fought her disease with courage and vigour, even embarking on a Masters in Equine Hydration at the Royal Agricultural University while undergoing chemotherapy. A statement from her parents said: “Miranda refused to be defined by her disease, she rode everyday through cycles of chemotherapy and other debilitating treatments. Even as her cancer consumed her body, she competed at BE events, living her equestrian life to the maximum. “She has been described by a few as a ‘lioness’ in the way she demonstrated astonishing courage and fortitude whilst battling her cancer. Right to the end she thought only about her family and
Miranda Filmer: loved horses and competing
friends and urged them all to live life to the fullest and not to be downcast.” To donate to the appeal, please see thebiggive.org.uk and search ‘Neuroendocrine Appeal’.