JOHN R HALES 22 February 1939 – 30 January 2025
Thursday 13 February 2025
JOHN R HALES
22 February 1939 – 30 January 2025
It is with great sadness British Showjumping announces the passing of former President (2005 - 2008) John Hales at the age of 85 surrounded by his family.
John touched the lives of many through his love of equine sport in showjumping and racing, and his successful business Golden Bear Toys, bringing joy to many children with their iconic and popular toys.
One of Britain’s most successful owner of showjumpers, notably two Olympic stallions ridden by Nick Skelton, the legendary Arko III (Athens 2004 and credited with winnings of over £1million) and, co-owned with daughter Lisa, Russel II (Beijing 2008), John was credited by Nick as a pivotal influence on his career.
“John was a great guy and really supported our family in showjumping and racing. If it hadn’t of been for John, I don’t think I’d have ever ridden again after breaking my neck. He kept Arko for me and we went on to win some great things,” said Nick. “He will be sadly missed; you wouldn’t find a better guy than John.”
John’s passion for horses, enjoyed with his family at his side, also extended to the racing world.
Two famous greys who captured the adoration of the public, One Man – winner of 20 races including the 1995 and 1996 King George VI Chase and the 1998 Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham Festival – and 2012 Grand National winner Neptune Collonges. Along with other Paul Nicholls-trained horses Azertyuiop, Politologue and Al Ferof, they contributed to John’s status as one of the leading British-based National Hunt owners of the past 40 years.
John’s bright yellow racing silks with a red star also featured in many other victories, while his showjumping connections crossed over to the racing world through Nick Skelton’s sons, trainer Dan and jockey Harry, who showjumped themselves in their pony days. Under the Skelton brothers’ skilful training and expertise, Protektorat – co-owned with Lisa, football supremo Sir Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason – added to John’s success, marking John’s final win by an amazing 22 lengths with Harry Skelton at Windsor Races just 12 days before his passing.
“It was a pleasure and an honour to put on his silks. John was a great winner and took his defeats philosophically; he was never beaten and always wanted another go, his enthusiasm was infectious,” said Harry. “He gave our family so much I will be forever grateful.”
Showjumper Anthony Condon was another to ride for John, taking the Arko stallion son SFS Aristio to five-star Nations Cup success and claimed notable victories with Zira VH Kapelhof Z.
“We owe John a big thank you for all he has done for the industries of showjumping and racing. He’s been a massive supporter for me, and we’ve enjoyed great times and fantastic wins with Aristio and Zira, and now we have the progeny of both coming through. None of this would be possible without John behind us – a great man and a great friend who will be very much missed,” said Anthony.
John’s champions have never been forgotten after their glory days, and many spend their final years in luxury retirement at The Hales Family’s Shropshire base, including Arko and Neptune Collonges [aka Nipper], who regularly parades at Aintree and visits children at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Successful entrepreneur John co-founded Telford-based Golden Bear Toys in February 1979, and with his drive and energy, producing toys and merchandise from major Children’s TV series. Accomplishing much over the last 45 years, John launched the incredibly successful Teletubbies range – winning Toy of the Year in 1997 – Thomas the Tank Engine and the London 2012 mascots Wenlock and Mandeville. John was also awarded a lifetime achievement from the British Toy and Hobby Association in recognition of his work.
The Hales Family have also been generous sponsors throughout the years at showjumping events, notably supporting the Golden Bear Tiny Tots Championship at the Scope Festival, Stafford, with a fabulous array of much-coveted cuddly toys and giant teddy bears for the winners.
Business aside, John’s heart lay with his family and their equine friends, and he will be a much-missed figure in the equestrian world.
British Showjumping would like to extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to John’s wife Pat, daughter Lisa, son Rob, grandchildren, friends and connections at this sad time.
1kerimq7nzqxw.jpeg "Learn more about the Gold Development Programme")
.jpg "Ben Maher claims a four-star win in America in this week’s international round-up")
