The hound racing fraternity are mourning the death of Barry Laidler, a respected and popular member of the Hound Racing Association.
Barry’s involvement in hound trailing dates back for many years as his father and mother were involved in the sport.
His father Jack had a betting shop in Windermere.
He was one of four brothers alongside Roy, Patrick and Tom but Tom died at a young age.
All three brothers have been heavily involved in hound trailing all their lives.
One of the earliest dogs that the family owned of any prominence was Sugar Moss which won 10 Championship races, including the prestigious Bitch Produce Stakes at Sleddale Park, Shap, where she narrowly beat the Brockbank’s Magpie in 1973.
Barry used to run a book at the trails in the south lakes along side his good friend Gordon Crook during the 70s and 80s before he took over his father’s betting shop.
He had already become chairman of Westmorland Area (now part of South Lakes Area) in the late 80s and held this position until 2013 when he became HTA Chairman which he held for 12 years.
He then became a life member, still attending the executive meetings and then dropping back to be the chairman of South Lakes Area until just over 12 months ago when he stepped down but still remained on the Area Committee.
Throughout his time in hound trailing he ran the trail when he was a role model to others and promoted many trails.
Until this last year he was still promoting trails with his partner Caroline and bother Roy, having promoted the Dog Produce trail at Dubbs Lane as well as the Westmorland Classic.
As a partnership Barry and Caroline have had a few good dogs such as Copperfield and Best Mate.
It was Best Mate who was probably Barry’s favourite hound after he had won a number of the major HTA trails in 2018 but his proudest moment for Best Mate was when he won the open pups at the International trail in 2018 at Gamelsby.
Barry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease but this didn’t stop him from attending the trails and doing what he obviously enjoyed – coming to the trails, watching the hounds and having a crack with everyone.
Many a person would have dropped off from attending the trails but not Barry. Come rain or shine he would be there.
In 2020 Caroline and brother Roy went to pick two pups out of Eden Rossi and Meadow Dixie.
They came away with two white pups and Barry said he would have the first one that came over to him and that’s how they ended up with two very good pups.
Little did they know at the time that Barry’s selection would go on to great things.
In early 2021, Barry and Caroline partnered up with Tom and Sarah Bell from Yorkshire who took on the training of the hound under the guidance of Barry.
The hound came good and all the early training which Barry, Caroline and Roy had done up Kirkstone Pass started to pay off.
As a pup he was still very immature but in 2022 as a first year senior hound he started to come together but it was his brother Kirkhead Rebel who was showing most promise always just ahead of Winterfell.
However, in 2023 Winterfell came into his own and winning became a way of life for him taking the senior championship title.
According to Barry this was one of his most proudest moments in his long career in hound trailing.
His love for hound trailing continued right up to the end. Having bred a litter of pups out of Best Mate and Adele, Barry and Caroline had picked one out and have great hopes that it will do well with Barry deciding on the name of the hound prior to him going in to hospital.
Barry showed such determination over the last few years, regardless of what life threw at him. He carried on as usual and was an inspiration to others not to let life get you down.
He was quick witted and had a cheeky sense of humour which he retained right up to the end. He was very pragmatic, said things how they were, and according to Edward Crosby, vice chair of the HRA, never had a bad word to say about anyone.
Current chairman of the HRA Paul Airey said: “It is with great sadness that we heard Barry has passed away Having had the privilege of knowing him for almost 60 years and in all that time he remained one of the true characters of our sport.
“Barry’s enthusiasm, warmth, and unmistakable personality made him someone people were naturally drawn to.
“He brought humour, heart, and a deep love for hound racing to every gathering, and his presence will be greatly missed.
“On behalf of the Hound Racing Association, and from me personally, I offer heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
“Barry leaves behind many fond memories and a legacy of friendship that will not be forgotten.”
