Horse racing trainer opens up on heartbreaking deaths of three stable staff

Irish Daily Mirror

20 hours ago

Warren Greatrex has opened up on the devastating deaths of three of his stable staff. The trainer and those in his yard were left heartbroken following the suicides of Michael Pitt, David Thompson and Billy Moffatt.
Michael Pitt took his own life at the age of 19 in July 2021. He was found dead at a petrol station in Hungerford.
The amateur rider's inquest heard how he consumed alcohol with friends and got into an argument. He left alone at around 11pm after refusing a lift home and was found dead by a shop worker just before 7am the next morning.
The following February, David Thompson, 25, was found dead in woodland in Lambourn. He was reported missing after not turning up for work.
And in May of this year, Billy Moffatt, 20, was found dead in his accommodation at Greatrex's yard. He had previously spent two years working for trainer Alan King.
Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer Greatrex told Racing TV's Luck On Sunday about the heartbreak the three deaths caused.
He said: "I am the trainer so when I have a member of staff I am like a father figure as well. Parents entrust you to look after their children.
"I do feel responsible and all I am, and have been worried about, is everyone else. I never thought I'd have a situation like this.
"Even now it's tough to talk about - but in the situation all you are worried about is everyone else.
"None of those three lads you would have had any idea that they would do that. All three lads were really good young men. They were funny, good to be around.
"Billy was a larger-than-life Newcastle lad who touched a lot of people because he was great fun to be around. But there aren't any signs."
Greatrex praised charity Racing Welfare, who he said were at his yard 'within minutes' to offer support to his staff.
"I think when you're surrounded by young people there will be times when there will be drinking," Greatrex added.
He continued: "I always find when a member of staff comes into the yard I am responsible. But when they leave the yard I can't keep an eye on them and have their back or look after them all the time.
"There will be times when members of staff come to speak to me or someone else senior like Tessa my wife, and of course we always do our best to help them.
"But when they leave the yard I am helpless. Still, I want them to be able to come to me.
"I am a father and when my children go anywhere, or to other yards, you want them to be looked after and navigated in the right direction."
If you have been affected by the contents of this article, support can be found from the following resources:
National Drugs and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459 (Monday-Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm) or [e-mail].
The Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours a day, 365 days of the year) or [e-mail].