Tuesday 26 June 2012

Apologies And A Sad Day

Firstly apologies that we have not blogged for a while, things have been a little exciting in EPDS Towers to say the least and we have lots of news to share with you.  I also apologise that what has driven me to blog today is the sad news about the death of Campbell Gillies.

I personally had never met Campbell although I had seen him ride many times, John met him at Hexham a week or so ago and described him as a lovely lad whose passion for what he did came through very clearly. We had spoken to his agent a couple of times about potential opportunities if our horses ran north and it was clear that at some point in the future Campbell would ride for us.

Sadly that day was never to come and our thoughts go out to Campbell's family and friends at this very difficult time.  Having spent time around racing yards we also know how much of a family they are, especially to young jockeys whose family may be many miles away.  In many cases we see the young jockeys treated as surrogate sons and daughters and our thoughts are also with Lucinda Russell and her team who must be devastated by the news today.

Shilpa is due to run at Uttoxeter on Sunday (going permitting) with the agreement of the syndicate members we are going to donate any winnings that we may have to the Injured Jockey Fund.  The IJF are supporting Campbell's family and friends who were on holiday with him, when tragic events occur you are reminded of the excellent work that the IJF do, and we are pleased to support them in any way we can.