VIRUS TRAGEDY
Owner loses bug battle
TRIBUTES were paid last night to a devoted racehorse owner who has died of suspected coronavirus.
Paul Townend, who had horses with several trainers and the Surrey Racing syndicate, passed away on Sunday after battling the COVID-19 bug.
Trainers Joe
Tuite and Martin Keighley were among those who shared their memories of the horse racing fanatic, who was said to have especially liked Royal Ascot.
He was the part-owner 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 Chris Waller in Australia, who he made his debut for at Rosehill on Saturday.
In a tribute on Facebook, Tuite said: “It is with great sadness to write this note. Paul Townend passed away in hospital yesterday morning [Sunday] from this horrible virus, COVID-19. My heart goes out to Geraldine and her family.
“Those who knew of you Paul will
■ remember his passion for racing, Royal Ascot week being his favourite. Paul had become a good friend to my family and all my team, with their regular visits to the yard, he always made time for everybody he met. “They had a huge amount of pleasure and success last season 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.”
Trainer 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 threetime winner Forecast.
He said: “We heard devastating news yesterday that Paul Townend, an owner & friend to us here for many years, had lost his fight against the dreadful disease Covid-19. Paul was very popular and lived life to the full.”