“End of an Era” The World’s Greatest Legendary Horseman Geoff Lewis Has Passed Away After a Short Illness. His Final Words to Horse Racing Left Fans Speechless

Geoff Lewis, the legendary Welsh jockey whose name became synonymous with the iconic racehorse Mill Reef, passed away on August 26, 2025, at the age of 89, following a short illness. His death marks the end of an era in horse racing, closing a chapter on a career that spanned over four decades and left an indelible mark on the sport. Lewis, a man of immense talent and charisma, was celebrated not only for his extraordinary achievements in the saddle but also for his successful transition to training, a rare feat in the world of Flat racing. His final words to the racing community, delivered through his family, resonated deeply, leaving fans and peers alike in awe of his humility and passion.

Born in Talgarth, Breconshire, in 1935, Lewis was one of thirteen children in a family that moved to London in 1946. His journey into racing began humbly, working as a page boy at the Waldorf Hotel before being spotted by jump jockey Tim Molony, who recognized his slight build as ideal for racing. Apprenticed to Ron Smyth in Epsom, Lewis quickly rose through the ranks, riding his first winner in 1953. By 1957, he was the first jockey at Kingsclere, securing victories for prominent figures like Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II. His career, which saw him amass 1,880 winners in Britain, was defined by a golden period in the 1960s and 70s, during which he won five British Classics, including the 1,000 Guineas, 2,000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks (twice), Coronation Cup, and the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

The pinnacle of Lewis’s career came in 1971, when he partnered with Mill Reef, a colt trained by Ian Balding for American tycoon Paul Mellon. That year, Lewis and Mill Reef dominated the racing world, securing victories in the Derby, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Eclipse at Sandown, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The Derby win, in particular, cemented Lewis as the first Welsh jockey to claim the title, a moment of national pride for Wales. His exuberant celebration at the winning post, famously described by Brough Scott, captured his unbridled passion: “Wh-wh-what’s the p-p-p-point of having e-e-emotions if you never e-e-effing show them?” This quote, reflective of his colorful personality and slight stutter, became a hallmark of his legacy.

After retiring from riding in 1979, Lewis transitioned to training at Thirty Acre Barn in Epsom, where he had served his apprenticeship. His success as a trainer was remarkable, with nearly 500 winners, including the champion sprinter Lake Coniston, who triumphed in the 1995 July Cup, Duke of York Stakes, Abernant, Diadem, and Hackwood Stakes. Lewis’s support was instrumental in the early success of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, with Harry Herbert, the syndicate’s founder, praising his generosity and warmth. “Geoff really got us going at Highclere,” Herbert said, recalling the memorable stable visits hosted by Lewis and his wife Noelene, where their daughter Mary’s cooking added a personal touch. Lewis’s ability to connect with people, from owners to fans, made him a beloved figure in Epsom, where he was described by trainer Simon Dow as “part of the fabric” and an “icon.”

In November 2024, Lewis’s contributions were honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Welsh Horse Racing Awards in Cardiff. Too ill to attend, his daughter Mary and grandchildren Luci and Alex accepted on his behalf, a poignant moment that underscored his enduring impact. His final message to the racing world, shared by his family, was a heartfelt reflection: “He truly was one of a kind, and his countless stories will live on with us.” These words, simple yet profound, encapsulated a life dedicated to the sport and its community, leaving fans speechless with their sincerity.

Lewis’s passing follows the recent loss of another racing great, Bruce Raymond, signaling a fading of a golden generation. Survived by his wife Noelene, daughter Mary, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Lewis’s legacy endures through his achievements and the stories that will be told for generations. As Epsom plans a tribute to honor his contributions, the racing world mourns a true legend whose passion and personality were as remarkable as his victories.