TRIBUTES have flooded in to legendary northern jockey Eddie Hide who has died aged 86.

Eddie passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, and Redcar Racecourse – where he had many winners – plans to pay tribute to him at its next meeting on September 19.

The North Yorkshire-based jockey rode his first winner at 14 and went on to land six English Classics, with the highlight coming in 1973 when he won the Epsom Derby on Morston.

Eddie was Cock of the North 16 times, with Redcar being one of his most successful tracks. He won the Zetland Gold Cup three times, starting with Henry VII in 1962, followed by Move Off in 1977 and Say Primula in 1987. Henry VII, trained by Bill Elsey, won the Group 1 Eclipse Stakes six weeks later.

News of his death was announced by his son, the travel writer and journalist Will Hide, who wrote on social media: “You think your folks will go on forever but we all know that can’t be the case. My Dad passed away peacefully in Yorkshire holding the hands of Mum and my sister Lizzie. A life very well lived and well-loved. We’ll miss you, Dad.”

Veteran trainer Mick Easterby described Eddie as “quite simply one of the very best flat jockeys I have ever seen”. The Malton trainer recalled the highlights of their association being Mrs McArdy’s victory in the 1977 One Thousand Guineas, and multiple group one successes on legendary sprinter Lochnager.

ITV Racing commentator Richard Hoiles said: “Truly a life to celebrate. Ahead of his time in so many ways."

Redcar's general manager, Amy Fair, said: "Generations of Redcar racegoers will have fond memories of Edward Hide because he was such a regular visitor to the winner's enclosure here.

"Given his history at Redcar, we plan to pay a fitting tribute to him at our next meeting on September 19 and we will announce further details once we have been able to talk to his family."