Sir Michael Stoute And Sea The Stars Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Sir Michael Stoute has described himself as “very grateful” at being inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame where he will join fellow legendary trainers Vincent O'Brien and Henry Cecil.

The 77-year-old has saddled more than 4,000 winners, with his six Derby winners at Epsom including Shergar in 1981 and Desert Crown last year. Derby-winning champion Sea The Stars will also be inducted along with Stoute at next weekend's Qipco Guineas meeting at Newmarket.

Stoute said, “I am very flattered and most grateful to have been inducted into the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame. Of course, it has only been made possible by good horses, talented and dedicated staff and loyal owners.”

He added, “To be inducted into the Hall of Fame and joining Vincent O'Brien, who was my hero and probably the greatest trainer that has ever lived, and Henry Cecil, who was also a very good friend, I'm very, very grateful.”

Launched in 2021, the Hall of Fame sets out to immortalise the modern greats of the sport, both human and equine, from 1970 onwards. 

Stoute and Sea The Stars are the first to be inducted in 2023, both having been chosen by an independent panel of industry experts in recognition of their outstanding achievements within the sport.

Both inductions will be officially recognised through a special presentation moment at Newmarket Racecourse on Sunday May 7 during the Guineas Festival. 

Stoute will become the first active trainer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame–and just the third trainer overall, after the revered Vincent O'Brien and Sir Henry Cecil. 

Meanwhile, Sea The Stars, trained by John Oxx and ridden by jockey Mick Kinane in all of his races, is the eighth horse to join the Hall of Fame, 14 years after winning the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Oxx commented, “He [Sea The Stars] was enthusiastic, energetic and just a joy to look at. Everything he did, you just couldn't take your eyes off him. The mental strength is of course what makes those great horses as great as they are. Usually they're tougher and stronger mentally than other horses. To win the six races over six months, that takes a great mental constitution.”