BOB McCreery, a prominent British breeder and one of the founders of the European Breeders Fund, died on Christmas Eve after a long illness. He was 86.

He rode over 130 winners as an amateur and was twice champion in Britain. His biggest win in the saddle came aboard Stalbridge Rock in the 1953 Welsh Grand National. He also had two Cheltenham Festival winners.

After a brief period as assistant trainer to Ryan Price, McCreery founded Moreton Paddox Stud in Worcestershire. From there he bred High Top, winner of the 2000 Guineas in 1972 and later a top-class sire of classic winners. Moving to Stowell Hill in Somerset in 1980, McCreery bred Old Vic, winner of the 1989 French Derby and Irish Derby. Old Vic was from the first crop of Sadler’s Wells and went on to be a champion jumps sire whose progeny included Gold Cup winner Kicking King and two Grand National winners - Comply Or Die and Don’t Push It.

More recently Stowell Hill produced the Oasis Dream horse Gale Force Ten, winner of the Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot for trainer Aidan O’Brien.

In 1984 McCreery was instrumental in setting up the European Breeders Fund with Peter Willett and Sam Sheppard. As an owner his colours were carried to success in the 1986 Cesarewitch by Orange Hill. He was also an adviser to Lady Rothschild who named Big Bad Bob after him.

He is survived by his wife Jeanette, children Richard, Selby and Kate. A thanksgiving ceremony will be held at Sherborne Abbey on Monday, January 9th at 2pm.