In 1959 he became travelling head lad to the Newmarket trainer John Oxley, an appointment that would lead to the famous coup that provided the funds for him to become a trainer.
In the winter of 1967-68 Hills went for an old-fashioned plunge in the Lincoln Handicap on Frankincense, who was trained by his boss.
When the horse won at Doncaster in March 1968, he had earned enough cash to set out up on his own as a trainer - and he has never looked back. Hills has won so many races though the Derby, frustratingly, proved one race too far for him. He provided the runner-up at Epsom four times and with any luck at all would have won with Rheingold and Hawaiian Sound.
Now he is leaving the stage and racing will be poorer for his absence.
However, before he goes he will be looking to have at least one more hurrah at York, a course which he has always believed is one of the best and fairest in the country.
On Friday, Hills, a true countryman, will plant a copper beech tree in the pre-parade ring at the course.
Yet the truth is that he has already left his mark on this part of the world.
The meeting will be held over four days this year and on tomorrow's opening day it could pay to take an interest in his smart colt Balty Boys in the Group Three Acomb Stakes over seven furlongs. Owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, the two-year-old ran out an impressive winner at Newbury last time. On Thursday, Hills could have a big say in the Lowther Stakes with his unbeaten filly Angels Will Fall, who has speed to burn.
Whatever the outcome we salute a man who did what he loved, did it wonderfully well and bought great joy to others in the process.
