Gifford: We must not allow Liam’s death to be in vain

Horse racing

A racehorse trainer who was one of tragic jockey Liam Treadwell’s closest allies in the sport has pleaded not to let his death be in vain.

Treadwell, who was born and raised in Arundel and attended Angmering School, was found dead last week. He was 34 and had battled mental health issues.

Findon-based trainer Nick Gifford, who had known Liam for nearly 20 years, paid tribute and urged all in racing to take heed of people’s mental health problems.

Treadwell made his racing debut as a teenager in the 2002 season, including a second place in a race at the Ashford Valley’s Charing meeting in Kent on Cheater, trained by Gifford.

Liam became an apprentice on the flat before switching to jump racing, and Gifford took over stables from father Josh.

Liam, a regular in races at Fontwell Park, had learned how to ride at Castle Stables in Arundel where parents Lorraine and Mark, had worked for John Dunlop.

In recent years Treadwell had spoken about his battles with his mental well-being and was a great advocate for those suffering similar circumstances.

His death came a few months after he was a pallbearer at the funeral of his friend and former jockey

Liam Treadwell with winning connections after riding Prouts Pub to victory at Fontwell Park in March 2015

James Banks, who had taken his own life.

Liam is best known fopr his 100/1 win on Mon Mome in the 2009 Grand National.

Gifford said: “Liam was just an incredible lad – quiet, unassuming and an allround gentleman. He first rode for me in a point-topoint at Charing, Kent, where he was beaten in a photofinish, despite having no prior knowledge of the horse and little experience of race riding,” said Gifford.

“I knew after that he had

a bit about him. He went on to ride my first Cheltenham winner for me.

“We must remember him for being a Grand Nationalwinning jockey – I remember shouting him home from The Elbow on that day, willing him to win.

“Racing was just a day job to him. He was never arrogant and he really didn’t see himself as successful as others did. He was never the loudest, but he would always take time to talk to you and the owners loved him.”

In 2016 Liam sustained a head injury in a nasty fall at Bangor. He was unconscious for four minutes and it left him with headaches, shortterm memory loss and problems with concentration.

He did return to riding and recently had started work as an assistant trainer to Alastair Ralph.

Gifford spoke about the need for more help for sportspeople who’d suffered similar circumstances.

“With concussion being

well-reported subject

acurrently, there certainly needs to be more support for those suffering the mental health effects of head injuries in racing,” said Gifford.

“I have spoken to other jockeys over the last few days, who have experienced the same following bad concussions – one who said it took four years for him to feel ‘back to normal’.

“I hope on the back of this – as I’m sure they will – racing will work hard to put more in place to support people feeling this way.”