Family and friends mourn the loss of William Codd (43)
THE horse racing world and the local community in South Wexford has been left reeling at the tragic death of former point-to-point jockey and horse trainer William Codd, from Churchland Stables, Mayglass.
William, aged 43, was found near the Lingstown race course, which is partly owned by his family, on Wednesday evening.
The Codd family said they wished to extend their sincerest gratitude to all who had paid their respects to William.
They told this newspaper they had been completely overhwhelmed by the level of support and it had helped them to affirm how caring, talent and loved William was.
William is survived by his mother and father, Billy and Mary Francis, and sister Lisa Barry, who is married to the former Wexford footballer Red Barry, his brother Jamie, the champion point-topoint jockey, and youngest sister Zoe, wife Jean and eight-year-old son Jack.
His current partner Louise Codd recently gave birth to a daughter Aria.
Often aided and abetted in the saddle by Jamie, he achieved great prices in British sales rings for some of his four-year-old maiden winners in recent years, including Alisier D’Irelande (sold for £300,000; Tell Us More (£290,000), and Born Survivor (£220,000).
The brothers combined for what was, unfortunately, their final winner together at the pointto-point at Fairwood in Tinahely on January 14 when Bold Skies romped home in the colours of owner/breeder and long-time friend and supporter Billy Devereux.
During his younger years William played with St Fintans and more recently had been helping his father on the dairy farm.
Among many comments on social media marking his passing, St Fintans said that ‘as a sign of respect to our much loved member, loyal supporter and former player William Codd, our club grounds will be closed for the next few days.
‘Our deepest most heartfelt sympathies are extended to all of William’s family and friends at this heartbreaking time. Sunday’s fun run and walk was cancelled’.
The Amateur Jockeys Association said: ‘Our deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Willie Codd at their tragic loss atb this very sad time’.
Mel Smith Bloodstock said ‘Shocked and saddened to read that racing has lost another top guy at only 43. My thoughts are with Jamie and his family.’
Equus Form said: ‘Another racing personality has gone too soon... a big loss to the racing industry and the point-to-point community.’
Railway Yard Gallops and Balyfrory Stud: ‘Rest in peace Willie Codd.. a true horse man and will be dearly missed.’
William was a former student at St Peter’s in Wexford and the St Peter’s Leinster hurling championship match at Fenagh, in Carlow, was halted for a minute’s silence in memory of him.
His family requested any donations in lieu of flowers be made to former Mayor Cllr Jim Staples’ ASK charity and the Irish Injured Jockeys’ Fund.
William’s funeral mass took place on Saturday at St Fintan’s Church, Mayglass, at which members of St Fintans provided a guard of honour.
Each member of the guard had a green and gold St Fintan’s jersey on their left shoulder.
The funeral, which was attended by large number of local people, was followed by burial in Mayglass Cemetery.