TREADWELL TRAGEDY
Racing mourns after shock death of Grand National-winning jockey
TRIBUTES flooded in last night for Grand National-winning jockey Liam Treadwell, who has died at the age of 34.
The rider, who won the world’s greatest race in 2009 on 100-1 shot Mon Mome, was found dead yesterday morning at his home in Shropshire.
Treadwell, who had suffered with depression, had a long association with trainer Venetia Williams.
She said: “He was part of the family here for many years.
“He and I shared probably the best day of our lives together when Mon Mome won the Grand National.
“He was one of the loveliest people you could ever wish to find.”
TV presenter Clare Balding, who famously commented on his lack of teeth as she interviewed him on the BBC after his National victory, tweeted: “I am desperately sad to hear of the death of Liam Treadwell.
“My heart goes out to his family and all his friends. He was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour, and I know how much the Injured Jockeys Fund has supported him in recent years.”
In a career that began in 2002, Treadwell rode 308 winners over jumps and 28 on the Flat.
The National success and victory at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival on Carrickboy were the highlights but he still struggled to get enough opportunities.
He was knocked unconscious after a heavy fall at Bangor in
March 2016 which had a real impact on his health and he retired in 2018.
But he returned to race-riding a year later for Shropshire trainer Alastair Ralph, who said: “It’s just terrible. He had suffered depression and it was ongoing for a couple of years.”
Trainer Nick Gifford tweeted: “Totally shocked and devastated to hear of the passing of Liam Treadwell.
“So proud we were lucky enough to have Liam as a key part of our team in the early days. A true gentleman.”
A West Mercia Police spokesman: “The death is being treated as unexplained but at this stage there is believed to be no third-party involvement.”
Treadwell was a pallbearer in February at the funeral of his friend and ex-rider James Banks, 36.