Sir Evelyn de Rothschild was remembered as "a very special man" Nov. 8 after the leading owner-breeder died at 91.
De Rothschild, a financier from the prominent European banking family, enjoyed top-level success as an owner and breeder on the flat in Britain, Ireland, and internationally, and over jumps from a small string.
The standout performer in his navy blue silks with a yellow cap was Crystal Ocean, whose biggest victory came in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot in 2019, alongside a host of other notable wins, including the 2018 Hardwicke Stakes and the 2017 Gordon Stakes.
On his next run after his group 1 triumph, Crystal Ocean arguably elevated himself even further when throwing down a sustained challenge to the superstar mare Enable in a pulsating running of the QIPCO King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1), in which he finished second.
In addition to Crystal Ocean, de Rothschild also enjoyed top-level success on the flat with Hillstar winning the 2014 Pattison Canadian International Stakes (G1) and over jumps with Ogee, who was trained by his sister Renee Robeson to land the 2009 Sefton Novices' Hurdle (G1) at Aintree.
De Rothschild also bred Notnowcato at his Southcourt Stud near Leighton Buzzard, and the son of Inchinor went on to land a group 1 hat-trick in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes (G1), Juddmonte International Stakes (G1), and Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1) in the colors of the breeder's sons Anthony and David.
Notnowcato, like the majority of de Rothschild's horses, was trained by Sir Michael Stoute, who said the Eclipse victory was particularly memorable because the prize fund for the first running in 1886 had been donated by de Rothschild's grandfather Leopold.
"He was a very special man in my life, and Coral (Pritchard-Gordon, Stoute's late partner) adored him, she always looked after him at the races and they had a great rapport," Stoute said.
"We had many great times together, but probably the most enjoyable one for him was winning the Eclipse as his family had a close association with the race.
"He was an owner here for just over 30 years and it was a very enjoyable time. It was a joy to train for him as he was an owner who really knew and understood the game. He and Mrs. Robeson produced some very good horses."
De Rothschild raced seven horses on the flat in Britain this year, all trained by Stoute in Newmarket, with Crystal Caprice, a close relative of Crystal Ocean, winning three times and being placed at listed level. Crystal Mariner, an unraced Sea The Stars juvenile, holds an entry in next year's Derby.
A number of horses owned by de Rothschild are set to sell at the Tattersalls December Sale this month: a yearling by Zoustar, four foals, and six mares, including multiple group 2 winner Crystal Capella. All horses are listed as selling in a "partial dispersal of Southcourt Stud."
In a statement released Nov. 8, de Rothschild's family said: "It is with great sorrow that Lady de Rothschild announces the death of her beloved husband, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, after a short illness.
"Sir Evelyn passed away peacefully yesterday evening at his home in London with his loved ones by his side. The family appreciates thoughts and prayers at this very sad time."
A member of the de Rothschild banking family, Sir Evelyn served as chief executive and chairman of the bank NM Rothschild and Sons for 27 years. The financier later focused increasingly on philanthropy, chairing the Eranda Rothschild foundation and co-founding the Elephant Family Conservation Charity.
De Rothschild was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1989 for services to banking and finance.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn, and three children, Jessica, Anthony, and David, as well as two stepsons, Benjamin Forester Stein and John Forester Stein.
