Richard Woollacott, who landed the biggest success of his training career with Beer Goggles at Newbury last month, has died at the age of 40.
The Devon handler first took out a licence in 2008 and trained 60 winners over jumps. A spokesman for the South Molton yard said in a statement yesterday: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard this morning. May we ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this most difficult time.”
Beer Goggles, who sprang a 40-1 shock for Woollacott when beating Unowhatimeanharry in the grade two Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, is due to run in the Cleeve Hurdle on Trials Day at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Daryl Jacob, who rode 16 winners for Woollacott, tweeted: “RIP my great friend, we started together on the pointing field, shared so many great days on and off the course, I will miss you so much, god bless you.”
Nicky Henderson, the champion trainer, described Woollacott’s death on Twitter as “tragic news” and “a huge loss to the training ranks”, while further tributes followed from AP McCoy, Paul Nicholls, Richard Johnson, who rode Beer Goggles to victory at Newbury, and many more.
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Devon & Cornwall Police released a statement saying: “Police were notified at around 10.30pm yesterday [Monday] to reports of a concern of welfare for a man at a property in Rose Ash, South Molton. A man in his 40s was discovered deceased at the scene. His death is not believed to be suspicious.”