Legendary Shropshire point-to-point trainer Sheila Crow dies aged 87

Legendary Shropshire point-to-point trainer Sheila Crow has died at the age of 87.

Based at Hadnall, just north of Shrewsbury, Crow earned a reputation as one of point-to-pointing’s greatest trainers, producing hundreds of winners during a career spanning more than four decades.

She produced numerous multiple winners, guided her children Alastair and Lucy to national riding championships and played a key role in four title victories for Richard Burton.

Sheila also helped Alastair’s son Henry at the beginning of his riding career. Just months ago, she witnessed Henry’s brilliant victories aboard the Joe O’Shea-trained Barton Snow at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals.

Crow, who was born in Powys, enjoyed her greatest triumph when Cappa Bleu won the Foxhunter Chase at Cheltenham in 2009, ridden by Burton.

She also trained several other successful horses at her Shropshire yard, including My Flora, who won the Champion Novice Hunter Chase at Stratford, also with Burton in the saddle.

Sheila’s daughter Lucy and son Alastair both went on to become champion point-to-point riders.

Grandson Henry has paid tribute to Sheila, who played a major role in his early riding journey and career.

He told GB Pointing: “She was brilliant to me, a great help when I started riding and it was so good to have her to rely upon. You need that when you are young, someone to give you experience.

“She also provided me with a Cheltenham hunters’ chase win on Mr Mercurial and an Aintree victory on Rob The Getaway in the point-to-point bumper.

“Nanny was an incredible character and so tough. She was still riding racehorses at 80.”

Sheila’s funeral will take place on Wednesday, July 29, at St Mary Magdalene Church, Hadnall, at 12pm.

Following the service, people are invited to join the family for refreshments at New House Farm, Hadnall.