Isle of Man based businessman and three-time Grand National-winning owner Trevor Hemmings has announced he is scaling down the size of his racing string after 36 years in the sport.

But the passionate racing fan, who has long been a favourite of Manx punters, will still very much be involved in the sport.

Mr Hemmings, 85, who lives in the north of the island near Andreas, is one of National Hunt racing’s most successful owners, with his yellow, green and white colours a familiar sight on the racecourse.

It has been reported today in the racing press that he has decided to reduce the number of horses he has in training - and around 50 will be sold at the Goffs UK September Sale.

His racing manager Michael Meagher said: ’The effect of Covid-19 is part of it. It’s a big reduction, but he’s still going to be involved.’

He added: ’He’s a bit locked up in the Isle of Man now. It’s obviously disappointing he can’t leave the island and go racing.

’We’re not certain about which trainers Mr Hemmings will continue to employ as yet.’

As well as winning the National with Hedgehunter in 2005, Ballabriggs in 2011 and Many Clouds in 2015, Mr Hemmings has lifted many other major jumps races.

Both Hedgehunter and Ballabriggs live in retirement at the Ballaseyr stud in the north of the island.

When Many Clouds won the Aintree marathon the Jennings bookmakers in Ramsey ran out of money because so many northern punters had backed the horse. They were later paid out on the Monday.

Mr Hemmings had 22 trainers on his roster last season, including Nicky Henderson, Oliver Sherwood, Paul Nicholls, Philip Hobbs, Sue Smith, Donald McCain and Jonjo O’Neill.

In the last five seasons, he has had 106 winners and amassed nearly £1.8 million in prize-money.

Many Clouds’ trainer Oliver Sherwood is reported to have said: ’It’s a shame, but it’s totally understandable. He’s not completely getting out. He’s still going to have 25 or so horses.