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Isle of Man Post Office has unveiled a special stamp collection honouring the life and remarkable legacy of Trevor Hemmings CVO (1935 – 2021). A proud Island resident, Trevor became one of the most respected racehorse owners of modern times.

Trevor was a highly successful businessman who went on to become one of the most recognised figures in horse racing, with his racing colours becoming synonymous with some of the most renowned horses and jockeys in British and Irish horse racing.

This collection features remarkable imagery by Grossick Photography, complemented by insightful and endearing text from Kathryn Revitt, a Trustee of the Hemmings Family Trust. It captures the warmth and spirit of a man whose dedication to racing was a true inspiration to many. The stamps are released in support of The Injured Jockey’s Fund

Trevor’s place among racing’s elite was secured when he became the first owner to achieve three Grand National wins with three different horses, ensuring that both his name and his famous green, white and yellow silks will be forever synonymous with Aintree, home of the Grand National.

He initially became involved with horse racing while working for Sir Fred Pontin, whose horse Specify won the Grand National in 1971. Sir Fred would often joke that he would leave Trevor his trophy when he died. As it turned out, Sir Fred held true to his promise, but this only fired up Trevor’s ambition to win the famous race with one of his own horses.

That dream became reality when in 2005, Hedgehunter was victorious under Ruby Walsh. Ballabriggs triumphed in 2011 when ridden by Jason Maguire and this was followed by the historic third Grand National win in 2015 when Many Clouds won with Leighton Aspell aboard.

The Hemmings silks have also been carried to great success at the Cheltenham Festival, at which 12 wins have been recorded, and other major staying chases have been landed, including the Hennessy Gold Cup, Scottish Grand National, and the Midlands Grand National.

Outside of racing, Trevor Hemmings was a keen supporter of other forms of equestrianism. At the London Olympics in 2012 Zara Tindall rode his horse High Kingdom, winning a silver medal as part of the British eventing team. One of Trevor’s proudest moments.

Isle of Man Stamps & Coins General Manager, Maxine Cannon, said:
On behalf of Isle of Man Post Office, it is an honour to celebrate the life of Trevor Hemmings CVO with this landmark stamp issue. Trevor’s achievements in horse racing were extraordinary, driven by a love for the sport and enormous respect for everyone involved. This issue reflects those values and proudly supports the Injured Jockeys Fund, a cause close to racing’s heart. We are very grateful to The Jockey Club, Grossick Photography, Kathryn Revitt and the Hemmings family for their generous support and assistance in bringing this tribute together.

As part of this stamp collection, well-known figures from the world of horse racing, equestrianism and broadcasting have offered their personal memories of Trevor Hemmings.

Clare Balding, Broadcaster
Trevor loved his horses. That shone through more than anything in the way he cared for them after they retired. Winning the Grand National was always a dream for him and to do it with three different horses was the ultimate achievement. He would always wear his cloth cap even under a top hat at Royal Ascot and he never forgot his roots as a working-class lad from Lancashire. He gave back so much to the community and to families who needed help and he had the kindest heart. Trevor was also an extraordinary businessman, a believer in the integrity of sporting competition, and an absolute diamond.

Sir AP McCoy, former Champion Jockey & President of The Injured Jockeys Fund
I was so lucky to get to know him, spend time with him, and ride a lot of his horses throughout most of my career. Most notably, Albertas Run, who I won 10 races, including 3 times at the Cheltenham Festival. Trevor was like all of us. He loved winning, and by God he won a lot, which he thoroughly deserved. He was a great supporter of horse racing, but he was also a very kind and generous man.

I am President of the Injured Jockeys Fund, and I know personally what a huge contributor he had been for many years to our charity, especially when we were building one of our rehabilitation centres, Jack Berry house, which wouldn’t exist without Trevor's generosity. Lastly, I would say his greatest gift was the most charming way he had of making you feel at ease.

Willie Mullins, Champion Trainer in Ireland and England
Trevor had a deep and genuine love for racing, and he always believed in his horses. Hedgehunter’s Grand National victory meant a great deal to him, and seeing that belief rewarded on such a famous day was something very special. Trevor was proud of the sport and of those involved in it, and it was a privilege to have shared that moment with him. It is a memory that has stayed with us all.

Dickon White, Regional Director North West at The Jockey Club
It has been a privilege to support Isle of Man Post Office on this very special project honouring Trevor Hemmings. Trevor was not only a remarkable man, but someone whose achievements and values left a lasting mark on the sport.

His unique place in Grand National history, winning the race three times with three different horses, is extraordinary, and yet it was his love of racing and respect for everyone involved that truly defined him.

This stamp collection is a fitting tribute to a proud Island resident and a great racing man, and we are honoured to have played a very small part in celebrating his remarkable legacy.