Latest news with #RacingWelfare
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
Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Racing must not ignore tragedies afflicting vulnerable stable staff
A strange thing happened last year after Racing Welfare announced it could no longer afford to fund Simon Bailey, chaplain to the industry. Racing Welfare is meant to support those working in British horse racing. Usually it has an annual budget of between £4million and £5million. Then, when purse strings needed to be tightened, Bailey's job became a target. Not everyone thought this a good idea. The Newmarket-based bloodstock agent Richard Brown decided something needed to be done. As the Racing Post reported at the time, Brown drew up a list of 25 potential donors. On his list were trainers and stud farms, wealthy racing enthusiasts and others whose businesses were connected to racing. Brown asked each to contribute £6,000. His target was £120,000. In
BBC News
03-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Grand National: Thousands attend famous race festival's first day
Dresses, suits and sunshine lit up Aintree as thousands of racegoers arrived to take in the first day of the famous Grand National than 150,000 people are due to attend the three-day event, which culminates on Saturday when the showpiece steeplechase race is basked in bright spring weather for the festival's opening day, with an expected attendance of about 23, those arriving was the Princess Royal, who attended a lunch held by charity Racing Welfare, of which she is president, before watching the first race. Regulars Kayla Jones, 31, from Wavertree, Liverpool, and Kaci-Lea Lynch, 22, from Huyton, Knowsley, were among the Lynch said: "It's always a good atmosphere, everyone goes wild and there is good energy."The sun is shining and the weather makes a lot of difference." Katie Young, 32, from Kildare in Ireland, wore a lilac dress and floral headpiece with a white coat for the races while supporting her partner, jockey Mark said: "The atmosphere is just completely different at Aintree, it's more relaxed and everyone's here to have a good time."It's kind of hard to plan an outfit because of the weather - I tend to have two ready. The weather is warm so this dress came out." Amanda and Stuart Coakley, both 58, originally from Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, were there for birthday celebrations wearing co-ordinated gold and cream outfits, including hats with Coakley said their outfits would be "even bigger" for Ladies Day on Friday."We just love the atmosphere, love Liverpool and love the people. It's got a real buzz," Mrs Coakley added: Security measures were in place, including a flight restriction zone to stop drones, sniffer dogs and drug amnesty bins at entrances with racegoers searched as they years ago animal rights protesters delayed the Grand National by 15 minutesLast year race safety changes included an earlier 16:00 BST start and saw the highest number of horses finishing since 1992. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Crowds arrive for opening day of Aintree
Thousands of racegoers have arrived at Aintree for the first day of the Grand National festival. More than 150,000 people are due on the racecourse for the three-day racing festival, which culminates on Saturday when the world-famous Grand National steeplechase is run. Crowds enjoyed the sunshine for the opening day on Thursday, which is expected to have an attendance of about 23,000. Among the racegoers was the Princess Royal, who attended a lunch held by charity Racing Welfare, of which she is president, before watching the first race of the day. Katie Young, 32, from Kildare in Ireland, wore a lilac dress and floral headpiece with a white coat for the races, where she was supporting her partner, jockey Mark Walsh. She said: 'The atmosphere is just completely different at Aintree, it's more relaxed and everyone's here to have a good time. 'It's kind of hard to plan an outfit because of the weather – I tend to have two ready. The weather is warm so this dress came out!' Organisers are expecting 10,000 bottles of prosecco to be drunk at the Merseyside racecourse over the three days. This year the range of bars on the course includes one where drinkers can pour their own pints of Guinness and a BOXPARK, with food and drink outlets and a DJ. Beer-lovers can even enjoy traditional pub The Rose and Crown, a temporary structure which has been built on the course and will be dismantled once racegoers have left on Saturday. Kayla Jones, 31, from Wavertree, Liverpool, and Kaci-Lea Lynch, 22, from Huyton, Knowsley, were preparing for a DJ set in the course's Red Rum Garden. Ms Lynch said: 'We come every year. It's always a good atmosphere, everyone goes wild and there is good energy. 'This year the sun is shining and the weather makes a lot of difference!' Ladies Day, held on Friday, is known for its fashion, with those attending competing to win the Style Awards. Amanda and Stuart Coakley, 58, originally from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, travelled back from Thailand to attend the races as part of birthday celebrations. They co-ordinated in gold and cream outfits, both wearing hats with feathers. Mr Coakley said: 'We are going even bigger with the outfits for Ladies Day.' Mrs Coakley added: 'We just love the atmosphere, love Liverpool and love the people. It's got a real buzz.' Security measures, including a flight restriction zone to stop drones, have been put in place during the festival. Sniffer dogs and drug amnesty bins were at entrances and racegoers were searched as they came into the course. Merseyside Police said uniformed and plain clothes officers would be deployed around the course. Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton said: 'As with all big events, we carry out extensive planning alongside all partner organisations in the run-up, to ensure everyone who attends the races has a great time, stays safe, and it is memorable for all the right reasons.' Two years ago, the Grand National was delayed by 15 minutes when animal rights protesters gained access to the course. Last year, safety changes were made to the race, including an earlier start time of 4pm, and the highest number of horses crossed the finish line since 1992.
The Independent
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Crowds arrive for opening day of Aintree
Thousand of racegoers have arrived at Aintree for the first day of the Grand National festival. More than 150,000 people are due on the racecourse for the three-day racing festival, which culminates on Saturday when the world-famous Grand National steeplechase is run. Crowds enjoyed the sunshine for the opening day on Thursday, which is expected to have an attendance of about 23,000. Among the racegoers was the Princess Royal, who attended a lunch held by charity Racing Welfare, of which she is president, before watching the first race of the day. Katie Young, 32, from Kildare in Ireland, wore a lilac dress and floral headpiece with a white coat for the races, where she was supporting her partner, jockey Mark Walsh. She said: 'The atmosphere is just completely different at Aintree, it's more relaxed and everyone's here to have a good time. 'It's kind of hard to plan an outfit because of the weather – I tend to have two ready. The weather is warm so this dress came out!' Organisers are expecting 10,000 bottles of prosecco to be drunk at the Merseyside racecourse over the three days. This year the range of bars on the course includes one where drinkers can pour their own pints of Guinness and a BOXPARK, with food and drink outlets and a DJ. Beer-lovers can even enjoy traditional pub The Rose and Crown, a temporary structure which has been built on the course and will be dismantled once racegoers have left on Saturday. Kayla Jones, 31, from Wavertree, Liverpool, and Kaci-Lea Lynch, 22, from Huyton, Knowsley, were preparing for a DJ set in the course's Red Rum Garden. Ms Lynch said: 'We come every year. It's always a good atmosphere, everyone goes wild and there is good energy. 'This year the sun is shining and the weather makes a lot of difference!' Ladies Day, held on Friday, is known for its fashion, with those attending competing to win the Style Awards. Amanda and Stuart Coakley, 58, originally from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, travelled back from Thailand to attend the races as part of birthday celebrations. They co-ordinated in gold and cream outfits, both wearing hats with feathers. Mr Coakley said: 'We are going even bigger with the outfits for Ladies Day.' Mrs Coakley added: 'We just love the atmosphere, love Liverpool and love the people. It's got a real buzz.' Security measures, including a flight restriction zone to stop drones, have been put in place during the festival. Sniffer dogs and drug amnesty bins were at entrances and racegoers were searched as they came into the course. Merseyside Police said uniformed and plain clothes officers would be deployed around the course. Chief Inspector Kevin Chatterton said: 'As with all big events, we carry out extensive planning alongside all partner organisations in the run-up, to ensure everyone who attends the races has a great time, stays safe, and it is memorable for all the right reasons.' Two years ago, the Grand National was delayed by 15 minutes when animal rights protesters gained access to the course. Last year, safety changes were made to the race, including an earlier start time of 4pm, and the highest number of horses crossed the finish line since 1992.
