Legendary racehorse owner and business founder dies aged 85
The leading county racehorse owner John Hales has died at the age of 85.
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Mr Hales, from Shifnal, co-founded the successful Golden Bear Toys company in 1979.
He also enjoyed huge racing success, with his horse Neptune Collonges winning the Grand National in 2012.
He won two King George VI Chases and was reduced to tears when, after several failures in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham, he dropped in trip to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1998.
Hales secured further Champion Chase triumphs through Azertyuiop and Politologue.
In recent years, Hales has shared his ownership interests with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Done and Ged Mason - recently paying €740,000 between them for Caldwell Potter.
Former champion trainer Paul Nicholls broke the sad news on social media, and paid tribute to "a fantastic owner and friend".
He said: “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. Thoughts with his wife Pat and his wonderful family. He will be missed by so many in racing. RIP John.”
Golden Bear Toys, which is based in Hortonwood, produced a host of products from major children’s shows such as Teletubbies, Basil Brush, Thomas the Tank Engine and In The Night Garden.
