Latest news with #Lambourn-based
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Heartbroken trainer Warren Greatrex opens up on the tragic deaths of three stable lads at his yard in just four years
He said emotions at his Berkshire base are 'still raw' after the devastating losses AWFUL TRAGEDY Heartbroken trainer Warren Greatrex opens up on the tragic deaths of three stable lads at his yard in just four years Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HEARTBROKEN trainer Warren Greatrex has bravely opened up on the deaths of three young workers at his yard - remembering them all as 'great lads'. The Lambourn-based jumps trainer has had to be a father figure and counsellor for those rocked by the suicides of Michael Pitt, David Thompson and, most recently, Billy Moffatt. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Billy Moffatt, who was in his early 20s when he was found dead, was the third yard worker for Warren Greatrex to take his own life in just four years Credit: Facebook 3 Michael Pitt was found dead aged 19 in the first tragedy to rock the trainer's stables Credit: Hyde News & Pictures 3 The Lambourn-based, Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, said he considers himself a father figure to everyone who works for him - and worrying about them rather than himself is the only way to deal with such devastating losses Credit: Rex Pitt was just 19 and a promising amateur jockey when he took his own life in July 2021. Greatrex, who had just moved to his Rhonehurst yard at the time, described the soul-crushing experience as 'horrible'. Just seven months later, in February 2022, popular stable lad Thompson, 25, was found dead. The huge Chelsea fan, who was reported missing in the days prior, had written a letter saying the happiest days of his life had been working for Greatrex, who said the second death 'hit me so hard'. Then in May this year, Moffatt, who was in his early 20s, was found dead in his accommodation - the third death in just four years. Greatrex, a Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, admitted he 'never thought' he would have to go through such shock and pain. He told Luck on Sunday on Racing TV the passing of all three and the devastating impact on those who worked alongside them every day was still 'raw'. And he said to know the lads you would have had absolutely no idea any were struggling to the extent they were. Explaining the magnitude of the losses and how best he tried to deal with it, an emotional Greatrex 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 also spoke about the stresses and strains of working in the sport and how charity Racing Welfare have helped. He said while 'no words can describe the devastation' of the deaths, Racing Welfare were at his yard 'within minutes' to offer support to those coming to terms with the losses. His words pleading for more to be done with alcohol and drugs in racing came just days after champion jockey Oisin Murphy was charged with drink-driving ahead of his appearance at Reading Magistrates' Court on Thursday. Greatrex continued: "I think when you're surrounded by young people there will be times when there will be drinking, there will be drug use - that's just the way of the world now unfortunately. "Maybe there is a way that people can recognise it (drug use) and help people with what they can and can't do, or at least guide them in the right direction. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 "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." Greatrex will take part in a marathon hike in support of Racing Welfare on Sunday - donate to their cause HERE.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Heartbroken trainer Warren Greatrex opens up on the tragic deaths of three stable lads at his yard in just four years
HEARTBROKEN trainer Warren Greatrex has bravely opened up on the deaths of three young workers at his yard - remembering them all as 'great lads'. The Lambourn-based jumps trainer has had to be a father figure and counsellor for those rocked by the suicides of Michael Pitt, David Thompson and, most recently, Billy Moffatt. 3 Billy Moffatt, who was in his early 20s when he was found dead, was the third yard worker for Warren Greatrex to take his own life in just four years Credit: Facebook 3 Michael Pitt was found dead aged 19 in the first tragedy to rock the trainer's stables Credit: Hyde News & Pictures 3 The Lambourn-based, Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, said he considers himself a father figure to everyone who works for him - and worrying about them rather than himself is the only way to deal with such devastating losses Credit: Rex Pitt was just 19 and a promising amateur jockey when he Greatrex, who had just moved to his Rhonehurst yard at the time, described the soul-crushing experience as 'horrible'. Just seven months later, in February 2022, popular stable lad The huge Chelsea fan, who was reported missing in the days prior, had written a letter saying the happiest days of his life had been working for Greatrex, who said the second death 'hit me so hard'. Then in May this year, Moffatt, who was in his early 20s, was Greatrex, a Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer, admitted he 'never thought' he would have to go through such shock and pain. He told And he said to know the lads you would have had absolutely no idea any were struggling to the extent they were. Most read in Horse Racing Explaining the magnitude of the losses and how best he tried to deal with it, an emotional Greatrex 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 also spoke about the stresses and strains of working in the sport and how charity Racing Welfare have helped. He said while 'no words can describe the devastation' of the deaths, Racing Welfare were at his yard 'within minutes' to offer support to those coming to terms with the losses. His words pleading for more to be done with alcohol and drugs in racing came just days after champion jockey Greatrex continued: "I think when you're surrounded by young people there will be times when there will be drinking, there will be drug use - that's just the way of the world now unfortunately. "Maybe there is a way that people can recognise it (drug use) and help people with what they can and can't do, or at least guide them in the right direction. You're Not Alone EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: CALM, Heads Together, HUMEN Mind, Papyrus, Samaritans, "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. Read more on the Irish Sun "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." Greatrex will take part in a marathon hike in support of Racing Welfare on Sunday - donate to their cause
North Wales Chronicle
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Liberty Lane aiming for Listed honours at Goodwood
Karl Burke's charge followed up that big handicap success by chasing home recent Lockinge hero Lead Artist in Group Three company at Newmarket and should now strip fitter for two outings this term. After finishing fifth behind Dancing Gemini in the Doncaster Mile, the five-year-old was noted making late headway when third to The Foxes in the Group Two Huxley Stakes at Chester. Burke said: 'He came out of the race at Chester really well, any rain would be a bonus to him. 'He was a bit unlucky at Chester; he got a bit too far behind and you can't get in behind there, as we know. I don't see any reason why he wouldn't handle the track (at Goodwood) and see out the trip. I'm really looking forward to seeing him run – I think he can go close.' The well-travelled Silver Knott has been a nice money-spinner for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, amassing more than £1.1million in prize-money thanks to victories in America and Dubai. He had his first outing in Britain for just over two years when second to Bellum Justum in Newmarket's Jockey Club Stakes at the start of the month. William Buick was in the saddle that day and said: 'He's in good shape, he obviously ran very well at Newmarket where the race possibly wasn't run to suit him, but equally, I thought there were reasons to suggest he would improve from that run. 'He carries a penalty on Friday, so gives a fair bit away to what looks a competitive field, but hopefully he can get back to winning ways.' Exoplanet, who was second in the 2023 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot for Roger Varian, had been on the sidelines for 669 days prior to an all-weather second behind Military Order on his stable debut for Archie Watson. The Lambourn-based handler said: 'He ran very well at Kempton in the Magnolia on his first start for us in what was a very strong Listed race. 'That was his first start in almost two years, so he is entitled to come on for it and I have been very happy with him at home. This race has been the plan and I hope he can be running another very good race.' David Simcock also expects Cash to step up on a Sandown sixth behind Dancing Gemini following seven months on the sidelines. Simcock said: 'Cash will have needed his first run back at Sandown – he has trained well since and we are hoping for a good run in what looks a competitive heat.'
Rhyl Journal
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Liberty Lane aiming for Listed honours at Goodwood
Karl Burke's charge followed up that big handicap success by chasing home recent Lockinge hero Lead Artist in Group Three company at Newmarket and should now strip fitter for two outings this term. After finishing fifth behind Dancing Gemini in the Doncaster Mile, the five-year-old was noted making late headway when third to The Foxes in the Group Two Huxley Stakes at Chester. Burke said: 'He came out of the race at Chester really well, any rain would be a bonus to him. 'He was a bit unlucky at Chester; he got a bit too far behind and you can't get in behind there, as we know. I don't see any reason why he wouldn't handle the track (at Goodwood) and see out the trip. I'm really looking forward to seeing him run – I think he can go close.' The well-travelled Silver Knott has been a nice money-spinner for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, amassing more than £1.1million in prize-money thanks to victories in America and Dubai. He had his first outing in Britain for just over two years when second to Bellum Justum in Newmarket's Jockey Club Stakes at the start of the month. William Buick was in the saddle that day and said: 'He's in good shape, he obviously ran very well at Newmarket where the race possibly wasn't run to suit him, but equally, I thought there were reasons to suggest he would improve from that run. 'He carries a penalty on Friday, so gives a fair bit away to what looks a competitive field, but hopefully he can get back to winning ways.' Exoplanet, who was second in the 2023 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot for Roger Varian, had been on the sidelines for 669 days prior to an all-weather second behind Military Order on his stable debut for Archie Watson. The Lambourn-based handler said: 'He ran very well at Kempton in the Magnolia on his first start for us in what was a very strong Listed race. 'That was his first start in almost two years, so he is entitled to come on for it and I have been very happy with him at home. This race has been the plan and I hope he can be running another very good race.' David Simcock also expects Cash to step up on a Sandown sixth behind Dancing Gemini following seven months on the sidelines. Simcock said: 'Cash will have needed his first run back at Sandown – he has trained well since and we are hoping for a good run in what looks a competitive heat.'
South Wales Guardian
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Liberty Lane aiming for Listed honours at Goodwood
Karl Burke's charge followed up that big handicap success by chasing home recent Lockinge hero Lead Artist in Group Three company at Newmarket and should now strip fitter for two outings this term. After finishing fifth behind Dancing Gemini in the Doncaster Mile, the five-year-old was noted making late headway when third to The Foxes in the Group Two Huxley Stakes at Chester. Burke said: 'He came out of the race at Chester really well, any rain would be a bonus to him. 'He was a bit unlucky at Chester; he got a bit too far behind and you can't get in behind there, as we know. I don't see any reason why he wouldn't handle the track (at Goodwood) and see out the trip. I'm really looking forward to seeing him run – I think he can go close.' The well-travelled Silver Knott has been a nice money-spinner for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, amassing more than £1.1million in prize-money thanks to victories in America and Dubai. He had his first outing in Britain for just over two years when second to Bellum Justum in Newmarket's Jockey Club Stakes at the start of the month. William Buick was in the saddle that day and said: 'He's in good shape, he obviously ran very well at Newmarket where the race possibly wasn't run to suit him, but equally, I thought there were reasons to suggest he would improve from that run. 'He carries a penalty on Friday, so gives a fair bit away to what looks a competitive field, but hopefully he can get back to winning ways.' Exoplanet, who was second in the 2023 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot for Roger Varian, had been on the sidelines for 669 days prior to an all-weather second behind Military Order on his stable debut for Archie Watson. The Lambourn-based handler said: 'He ran very well at Kempton in the Magnolia on his first start for us in what was a very strong Listed race. 'That was his first start in almost two years, so he is entitled to come on for it and I have been very happy with him at home. This race has been the plan and I hope he can be running another very good race.' David Simcock also expects Cash to step up on a Sandown sixth behind Dancing Gemini following seven months on the sidelines. Simcock said: 'Cash will have needed his first run back at Sandown – he has trained well since and we are hoping for a good run in what looks a competitive heat.'
