Robert Sangster
Robert Edmund Sangster (23 May 1936 - 7 April 2004) was a well-known English thoroughbred racehorse owner and breeder. He was British flat racing Champion Owner five times and his horses won many major races, including two Epsom Derbys, four Irish Derbys, two French Derbys, three Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes and a Melbourne Cup.
Robert Sangster was the son of Vernon Sangster, founder of the Vernons Pools business, and his wife, Peggy. Robert was born in Manchester and educated at Repton School and did National service with the Cheshire Regiment. While in the British Army he was the Champion Army Boxer. Sangster was chairman of the Vernons Organisation from 1980 to 1988, selling it in 1988 for £90 million.
Sangster's thoroughbred racing and breeding empire included interests in Australia, England, Venezuela, the United States, Ireland, France, and New Zealand. His racing colours were emerald green and royal blue. His jockeys included Lester Piggott, Pat Eddery and Steve Cauthen. His trainers included Barry Hills, Vincent O'Brien David O'Brien, Eric Cousins, Michael Dickinson and Peter Chapple-Hyam.
Sangster was introduced to thoroughbred racing through a friend, Nick Robinson, who recommended a bet on Chalk Stream, a horse owned by his grandfather, in the 1960 Lincoln Handicap. Chalk Stream finished unplaced but Robert Sangster bought the horse and sent him to be trained by Eric Cousins. Sangster's first win in a major flat race came with his filly Brief Star in the 1969 Ayr Gold Cup.