Devoted owner loses his fight against virus
TRIBUTES are being paid to a passionate racehorse owner who has died of suspected coronavirus.
Paul Townend, who had horses with several trainers and the syndicate Surrey Racing, passed away on Sunday after battling the COVID-19 virus.
Trainers Joe Tuite and Martin Keighley were among those who shared their memories of the horse racing fan, who was said to have especially enjoyed Royal Ascot.
He was the partowner of horses at Tuite’s Lambourn stables, including Surrey Thunder, winner of the 2019 Grand Prix de Clairefontaine.
The four-year-old was purchased for 280,000gns last October and sent to Winx’s former trainer ChrisWaller in Australia, for whom he made his debut at Rosehill on Saturday.
In a tribute on Facebook, Tuite said: “It is with great sadness to write this note. Paul Townend passed away [Sunday] from this horrible virus, Covid-19. My heart goes out to his wife Geraldine and her family.
“Those of you who knew Paul will remember his passion for racing, and how he always made time for everybody he met.
“They had a huge amount of pleasure following their horse Surrey Thunder around the UK and Europe, and were looking forward to this season with their horses Surrey Pride and Surrey Flame.”
Gloucestershirebased Martin Keighley shared a picture of him and his wife Belinda with Mr and Mrs Townend at Ascot.
One of the horses the couple had a share in was three-time winner Forecast.
“A photo from happier times,” Keighley wrote.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Geraldine and their family at this terrible time.”