– Classic and dual Middle Park Stakes-winning trainer Ron Boss
– Classic and dual Middle Park Stakes-winning trainer Ron Boss dies at 85.
Ron Boss, the beloved British horse trainer who achieved great success with his small string of relatively inexpensive horses, has sadly passed away at the age of 85. The news of his death has left the horse racing community in mourning.
Boss, who was based in Newmarket, began his career as a jockey, riding 16 winners over jumps before transitioning into training. He worked with notable trainers such as Noel Murless and Posy Lewis before obtaining his own training license in 1972.
One of Boss’s greatest triumphs came when Olwyn, a nine-race maiden, won the Irish Oaks under the guidance of jockey Kipper Lynch. Despite her previous unplaced finish in the Oaks, Boss had a strong belief in Olwyn’s abilities and his intuition proved right. Reflecting on the victory, he said, “Even though she was well beaten at Epsom, I knew she would be suited to the Curragh and she held on in a great finish.”
In addition to the Irish Oaks, Boss also tasted success at prestigious events such as Royal Ascot. He won the Norfolk Stakes with Emboss and the Queen Mary with Cramond. These victories solidified Boss’s reputation as a skilled trainer who could achieve remarkable results with horses that were not necessarily the most expensive.
Boss’s talent was further showcased when his horse Captain’s Wings, backed at odds of 50-1, went on to win the Lincoln in 1978. He also achieved back-to-back victories in the Middle Park Stakes with Mon Tresor in 1988 and Balla Cove in 1989. No trainer has managed to replicate this feat since, making Boss’s accomplishment truly remarkable.
After a successful career, Boss retired in 1997. Looking back on his time in the industry, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had been given. He remarked, “When I had about 20 horses in training at one time, I was the only trainer to win Group races in Germany, Ireland, and England. It’s an achievement to pick up horses that cost under £20,000 and achieve such success.”
Boss’s widow, Gloria, spoke fondly of her late husband, highlighting his love for horses and his enjoyment of meeting and interacting with people. She shared an anecdote about a race where the Queen’s horse beat their filly, and Boss graciously congratulated Her Majesty, saying, “Well done your majesty. If anyone had to beat me, I’m glad it’s you.”
The horse racing community remembers Boss as a shrewd trainer with a great sense of humor. Barry Root, a partner in former Guineas sponsor Madagans, recalled an amusing incident at Lingfield where Boss playfully tampered with the scales, causing confusion and laughter among onlookers.
Ron Boss’s passing marks the end of an era in British horse racing. His skill, dedication, and jovial personality will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The legacy he leaves behind serves as a testament to his remarkable achievements in the sport he loved..
– Classic and dual Middle Park Stakes-winning trainer Ron Boss passes away at 85
– Renowned trainer Ron Boss, winner of Classic and dual Middle Park Stakes, dies at 85.
