Kayley: We race in Richard’s memory
KAYLEY WOOLLACOTT, widow of trainer Richard, has said Beer Goggles will race in his memory when he faces nine rivals in this afternoon’s Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Woollacott, 40, was found dead at his Devon stable on Monday evening. Beer Goggles had given him the biggest win of his career when winning the Grade One Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month.
In a statement issued via the Injured Jockeys Fund, Kayley, who has been granted a temporary licence to run the stable, said: ‘I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support. The racing industry has shown a huge amount of compassion for Richard and us during this tragic time.
‘Richard was a much-loved husband, father, son, brother and friend. He was also a talented jockey and trainer who achieved many amazing things. Sadly, after battling with it for many years, he lost his life to mental illness.
‘Beer Goggles will run in memory of Richard. Whilst it will be a very emotional day for everybody, it is important that we celebrate all of Richard’s hard work and continue with his plan for this special horse. I’d welcome everyone to attend in support.
‘While nothing will bring Richard back, I feel there is more there could, and should, be done to help others. I have therefore established an online fundraising site in aid of three important charities in Richard’s memory.’
The charities being supported are mental health charity ‘Mind’, the Injured Jockeys Fund and Devon Air ambulance.
Cheltenham will stage a minute’s silence before the Cleeve Hurdle this afternoon as well as holding a collection at the track.
Champion jockey Richard Johnson will again take the ride on Beer Goggles, and paid his tribute to Woollacott.
He told his Betway blog: ‘I will remember him for always having a big smile on his face at the races and he loved what he did.
‘He was a trainer that was really starting to make a name for himself and the performance of Beer Goggles at Newbury showed that.
‘He bought the horse and managed to get him from quite a low grade into a Grade Two winner which is an incredibly impressive feat. It’s going to be a very sad day on Saturday at Cheltenham without him there.’
Anyone wishing to contribute to the charities can do so at: