Aspiring jockey Billy Moffatt's death marks third tragedy in four years at Warren Greatrex's Lambourn stables
A sudden and heartbreaking loss
Billy Moffatt
, a stable groom in his early 20s, was found dead in his accommodation at the
Warren Greatrex Stables
in Uplands, Lambourn, Berkshire on Saturday, May 10. Moffatt, originally from the North East, had worked at the yard for nearly a year, helping train horses under the prominent trainer Warren Greatrex.
The alarm was raised when Billy failed to report for work, prompting colleagues to check on him. A source told The Sun that Billy had been out the night before and 'seemed absolutely fine.'
Trainer
Warren Greatrex
expressed his sorrow, stating: 'It's hugely upsetting. He was a great member of the team with a great sense of humour.'
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Part of a tragic pattern
Moffatt's death is the third in four years linked to the same stables. In July 2021, Michael Pitt, 19, was found dead at a petrol station after taking his own life. In February 2022, David Thompson, 25, was discovered dead after previously being reported missing.
Reflecting on these past tragedies, Greatrex had said in 2022 after Thompson's passing: 'He didn't ride out but he loved his horses. We heard on Saturday morning that he had died and it was really hard to take, especially in the circumstances that we lost Michael Pitt last summer who was another person that was the life and soul of the yard and was a great part of the team.'
Tributes pour in
The racing community has responded with shock and grief.
Close friend and jockey Jack Wilmot wrote on social media:
'Billy, words can't describe the way I'm feeling. I'm absolutely heartbroken, I'll love you forever mate and will always carry you with me whatever I do.
Please, please, if you're struggling with something, please talk to someone.
Love you mate. Gone far too soon.'
Racing team
SJD Racing
also shared condolences in a public statement:
'So sad to hear of the passing of Billy Moffatt. Gone far too soon. We had the pleasure of helping him in his career as he wanted to learn to jump. Our thoughts are with his family. Please check in on your friends.'
Family appeal for support
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help repatriate Billy's body and belongings from Berkshire to his family in the North East and assist with funeral costs. James Moffatt shared via the campaign:
'I've been asked to set up a GoFundMe to help get our boy and all his belongings back home to the North East and help towards his funeral.
It's not something we would even think of doing as a family but his mam has asked rather than flowers, a small donation no matter how much would be greatly appreciated towards helping cover all the costs to get him home and buried.
The target is just a number set, anything at all will help, thanks for reading.'
As of now, more than £10,000 has been raised.
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