Tributes were paid on Tuesday to Richard Woollacott, the West Country trainer who saddled Beer Goggles to win the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month, following the announcement that he has died at the age of 40.
In a statement, a spokesman for Woollacott’s yard at South Molton in Devon said: “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.”
Woollacott, a former champion rider on the point-to-point circuit, saddled 60 winners after taking out a trainer’s licence in 2008 including two at Grade Two level. Lalor was successful in a valuable bumper at the Grand National meeting last season, before the 40-1 victory of Beer Goggles in one of Newbury’s feature events last month.
Beer Goggles is entered for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and holds an entry in the Cleeve Hurdle at the festival Trials meeting at the track on Saturday, while Lalor is among the favourites for the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next month.
Daryl Jacob, who regularly rode for the stable, paid tribute to Woollacott on Twitter, saying: "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."
A statement released by the Jockey Club said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Richard Woollacott. Our thoughts, as those of our colleagues around the Group, are with his family and friends.” – Guardian service
