Aspiring jockey found dead at leading racing yard in third tragedy at venue in four years

An aspiring jockey has died at a leading racing yard — in the third tragedy at the stables in the last four years. Stable lad Billy Moffatt was found in his accommodation at the on Saturday.

The alarm was raised when Billy, said to be in his early 20s, did not show up for work. The North East native worked for Greatrex training horses for around a year.

It is the third death in recent years connected to the stable after staff members Michael Pitt, 19, was , and David Thompson, 25, was in February 2022.

Trainer Warren said Billy's passing was 'hugely upsetting' and said: “He was a great member of the team with a great sense of humour.”

Jockey Jack Wilmot said: "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.

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"Please, please, if you're struggling with something, please talk to someone. Love you mate. Gone far too soon."

SJD racing said: "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."

More than £10,000 has been raised in a campaign to help cover the costs of seeing Billy return to the North East from Berkshire and the funeral. James Moffat said: "I've been asked to set up a go fund me 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."

Speaking in 2022, Greatrex reflected on the passing of Thompson, a keen Chelsea FC supporter, following Pitt. "He didn’t ride out but he loved his horses," he said.

"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.

"With neither lad you would ever imagine this would happen. There was no real signs. David’s childhood had been a bit broken and he hit low at times but in the yard you would never see any signs of that.

“We are a big family here and to lose a member of the team is not easy to take. Everyone does get on well here from the top down but it has been very tough but we will get through it."

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