by Phil Rostron

Last updated at 12:33, Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Cumbria's horse racing community was united in shock and grief today – the county’s biggest race day of the year – over death on holiday of young jockey Campbell Gillies.

Campbell Gillies

Tributes will be paid at this afternoon’s Bell & Plate meeting at Carlisle to the popular Scot who would have turned 22 today.

National Hunt rider Gillies, who spent much of the last 12 months lodging at the Bolton, near Appleby, yard of trainer Barbara Butterworth, died following an accident on holiday in Corfu.

He arrived in Kavos on Monday with fellow jockeys Harry Haynes, Henry Brooke and Nathan Moscrop and is said to have lost his life in a swimming pool accident yesterday.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: “We can confirm the death of a British national in Corfu on June 26. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.”

Provision is being made for riders at this afternoon’s Carlisle meeting to wear black armbands and for a minute’s silence to be held.

Carlisle general manager Richard Clements said: “We’ll talk to the jockeys when they arrive and see what they want to do to show their respects.

“Campbell was a popular member of the jockeys’ room and had really begun to make his mark here at Carlisle with an increasing number of rides and winners.”

Mrs Butterworth said: “It’s tragic. Campbell had become one of the family. He had hens and ducks here and everyone in the village knew him.

“I loved to see his car pull up outside. He lit up everywhere he went.”

Gillies partnered his first Cheltenham Festival winner in March on Lucinda Russell’s ill-fated Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

Brindisi Breeze was killed last month after jumping out of a paddock and colliding with a lorry and Mr Clements added: “For the horse to die and then his young rider a few weeks later is very tragic.”

Gillies rode his first winner in the 2007-08 season and had 131 winners under his belt.

Last year was his best campaign to date with 38 winners and he was in action as recently as last Sunday at Hexham.

Greystoke trainer Nicky Richards said: “This is so sad. The lad had everything in front of him. He was a good little character and rode out for me from time to time.

“He rode a winner for me at Bangor in Moufi Tango and he gave him a peach of a ride.

“It’s a tragedy for his parents and the rest of his family and indeed the racing industry as a whole.”

Scotby trainer Lynsey Kendall had a text exchange with Haynes on the evening of their departure, wishing them a happy holiday.

“I’m just in shock,” she said. “Racing’s a tight-knit community and I know them all. You can’t believe it’s true, especially this happening within 24 hours of their arrival.

“Campbell was very proud of his Scottish roots. At hunt balls and the like he’d always turn out in a kilt. He’ll be sadly missed.”

Racing personalities were quick to pay their respects to Gillies on Twitter.

Champion jockey Tony McCoy tweeted: “Very sad news about Campbell Gillies a very good jockey but an even better bloke. All our thoughts are with his family RIP.”

Sam Twiston-Davies said:“RIP @campbellgillies class rider and a great person. Will be very much missed.”

Sam’s younger brother Willy said: “RIP @campbellgillies, devastating news.”

Former champion jockey Peter Scudamore is Russell’s partner and assistant, and his son Tom knew Gillies from his trips to their northern base.

“He’ll be missed by everyone, he was a lovely fella,” said the jockey.

“He was a very talented rider and he was going places. Lucinda and my dad had had a really good season and Campbell and Peter Buchanan played a huge part in that.

“He had a long and successful career ahead of him. I just feel so sorry for his family.

“He had lots of raw talent but it’s not just about his riding, he was a lovely person and will be sorely missed. He’ll leave a big hole.”

First published at 11:25, Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk