'He was full of energy and drive' - Tributes to John Hales, Shropshire businessman and owner of Grand National winner
Tributes have been paid to a legendary Shropshire businessman and racehorse owner.
John Hales, who co-founded the Golden Bear Toy company, and oversaw major racing success, including a Grand National winner, has died at the age of 85.
Mr Hales, who was one of the county's leading businessmen, was also known for his support of Alder Hey Children's Hospital, and had taken his Grand National winner, the stunning grey Neptune Collonges, to visit the children and families on the wards.
Golden Bear Toys has enjoyed huge success since it was sent up in 1979, producing a succession of iconic toys, and winning 'Toy of the Year' in 1997 for its Teletubbies range.
Mr Hales was chairman of Golden Bear Toys, and the firm has paid tribute to his "energy, drive and love of the toy industry," adding that it had "infused the business for over 45 years, creating iconic toys loved by children of all ages".
Mr Hales co-founded Golden Bear, which is based at Hortonwood in Telford, with Christine Nicholls on February 12, 1979.
Paying tribute to Mr Hales she said: “John was the most amazing business partner and friend for over 45 years.
"Our vision for the business back in 1979 set us on an adventure in the toy industry that has been second to none.
"On a personal level I will miss him greatly and all his pearls of wisdom, as will everyone at Golden Bear.”
A statement from the firm described Mr Hales' impact on the toy industry, as well as his passion for horseracing, along with his commitment to supporting Alder Hey Hospital.
It said: "John has accomplished much over his long career, including the incredibly successful launch of the Teletubbies toy range, winning Toy of the Year in 1997. He was also extremely proud to receive a lifetime achievement award from the British Toy & Hobby Association in recognition of his work in the industry.
"John was also a passionate member of the racing world, known as one of the leading British-based jumps owners of the last 40 years.
"He has owned many champions over the years such as his first winner in 1993, One Man, and 2012 Grand National winner Neptune Collonges.
"John was also very closely associated with Alder Hey Children’s hospital and has a long history of supporting the trust.
"John would make regular visits to the hospital with his horse Neptune Collonges to visit children and families on the wards, an act that brought great happiness to those who were able to meet the gentle grey horse.
"The whole Golden Bear team are devastated by the loss of their founder and chairman. He was a very well-respected figure that will be greatly missed within the close family business. He embodied Golden Bear and leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that the whole Golden Bear family endeavours to maintain in his honour."
"Our thoughts are with his wife Pat and the rest of his family during this sad time."
During a hugely successful racing career Mr Hales saw his horses win two King George VI Chases and the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1998.
Mr Hales won the Grand National with Neptune Collonges in 2012 and secured further Champion Chase triumphs through Azertyuiop and Politologue.
In recent years, Mr Hales has shared his ownership interests with the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Peter Done and Ged Mason, and less than two weeks ago was at Windsor to see the Dan Skelton-trained Protektorat claim big-race honours in the Fleur De Lys Chase.
Mr Skelton paid tribute to Mr Hales, saying he will "never be forgotten".
He said: “He was a top, top man and it’s a very, very sad day.
“The Hales family have been unbelievable supporters of all horse sports – his contribution to showjumping shouldn’t ever be underestimated either.
“He was one of the first supporters out of the blocks for me when I started my career and he’s always supported Harry (Skelton) and my father (Nick Skelton) and Bridget (Andrews).
“He’s had all those great horses, but he’s got those great horses because people have wanted to do so well for him. He inspired people to do well and trusted people.
“Anthony Bromley bought the majority of horses and with the exception of One Man, myself and Paul have had lots of good horses for him and he trusts people to do their job.”
He added: “He was a great man for our sport and all horse sports. He will never be forgotten.”
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Daryl Jacob, who rode Neptune Collonges for the Grand National success, said Mr Hales would be a sad loss to the sport.
He said: “First and foremost, John was a great horseman, he had a great eye for a horse and he was a real gentleman who loved his horses.
“I’ll always remember when I went into the paddock to ride Neptune, he said to me if the horse wasn’t enjoying it to pull him up straight away and that immediately took a lot of pressure off me.
“They are an incredible family, they had success in showjumping also, they love their horses and he will be a sad loss to racing.
“He gave me the opportunity to have the greatest day of my career in the Grand National and I’ll never forget that. It was a great day, I remember coming back in and giving him a high five, the smile he had that day I will never forget.
“When I retired, I got the most beautiful handwritten letter off him congratulating me on a wonderful career.
“It’s a huge shock having seen how much he enjoyed Protektorat winning at Windsor the other day. When you saw him at Cheltenham cheering them home with Sir Alex and Ged (Mason), you realise how much racing meant to them.”
