Preston North End owner Trevor Hemmings has died at the age of 86.
A statement on Preston's official website confirmed the news on Monday night.
It read: "Preston North End Football Club can sadly confirm the devastating news that its owner Trevor Hemmings CVO has passed away this evening 11th October 2021."
Hemmings, who owned Preston and Cork City, made his name in horse racing as he became a three-time Grand National winner including Hedgehunter in 2005, Ballabriggs in 2011 and Many Clouds in 2015.
The Woolwich-born racing tycoon spent 36 years in the sport, owning 100 horses at the one time.
And according to The Sunday Times Rich List, Hemmings was worth £1.025 billion in 2020, the same as the year before.
Last August Hemmings scaled back his racing operation, despite winning £1.8m in winnings over the past five seasons, due to the impact of Covid-19 on his personal life and business interests.
Hemmings was married to his wife Eve and the couple had four children together.
Hemmings bought a controlling interest in Preston in June 2010 to resolve the Lancashire club's debt problems at the time.
Preston announced the news that he had passed away on Monday evening and said that a further statement would be made in the coming days.
Tributes have flooded in following Hemming's passing.
Former Preston defender Mark Lawrenson hailed him as "Mr. Preston North End" and says the football club will forever be indebted to him.
The ex-Liverpool man tweeted: "Very sad news to hear of the passing of Trevor Hemmings. He was Mr. Preston North End
"As former players/staff & supporters, we owe this man a huge debt of gratitude.
Without him who knows where our football club would be. RIP Sir & thanks for all you did for us…love to the family."
Robbie Fowler added: "RIP Trevor Hemmings. How sad, thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and everyone associated with Preston North End."
