‘True gentleman’ Jarvis dies aged 73

TWENTY-four hours after jumps racing mourned the loss of Ginger McCain, British Flat racing lost a giant of its own as former Newmarket trainer Michael Jarvis died at the age of 73.

Jarvis had suffered from ill health in recent years, undergoing heart surgery and having treatment for prostate cancer.

The son of a National Hunt jockey, Jarvis turned his hand to training having ridden three winners himself. He became head lad to Towser Gosden (John Gosden’s father) in Lewes and stayed for another two years when Gordon Smyth took over after Gosden’s retirement.

It was in 1968 that Jarvis set out on his own as a salaried trainer to David Robinson at Carlburg Stables in Newmarket. In 1975 he moved to Clarehaven Stables and, a year later, to Pegasus Stables, but it was at Kremlin House he enjoyed his greatest successes.

Carroll House won the Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in 1989, Eswarah won the Epsom Oaks in 2005, Ameerat landed the 1000 Guineas in 2001, Holding Court won the French Derby in 2000 and the brilliant Rakti claimed a host of big races between 2002 and 2005.

Last season, Jarvis handed over the reins at Kremlin House to his assistant, Roger Varian,.

Varian said: “It’s a terribly sad day. Michael passed away this afternoon having lost his battle against cancer.

“His achievements and racing exploits go without saying, but first and foremost he was a wonderful man, a true gentleman.”

Jockey Philip Robinson was employed by Jarvis for a hugely successful spell, while Irishman Mick Kinane rode Carroll House to his big victories and credits the horse and trainer with launching him on the world stage. Kinane said: “He was a thorough gentleman and such a lovely man.”