Liam Treadwell, who won the 2009 Grand National aboard 100-1 outsider Mon Mome (Fr) (Passing Sail {Fr}), has died aged 34. A statement from West Mercia Police read, “earlier this morning police were called to an address in Billingsley, near Bridgnorth, following the death of a man in his 30s. The death is currently being treated as unexplained. However, at this stage there is believed to be no third-party involvement.”
Liam Treadwell, who won the 2009 Grand National aboard 100-1 outsider Mon Mome (Fr) (Passing Sail {Fr}), has died aged 34. A statement from West Mercia Police read, “earlier this morning police were called to an address in Billingsley, near Bridgnorth, following the death of a man in his 30s. The death is currently being treated as unexplained. However, at this stage there is believed to be no third-party involvement.”
Mon Mome's trainer Venetia Williams said, “It's a massive shock. I think we all thought he was in a good place now, having been through some tough times in previous years. We thought his renewed career had put in him in a situation where he was happy. It's desperately sad news.”
Treadwell, who was also third in the 2015 Grand National on Monbeg Dude (Ire) (Witness Box), had retired in February 2018 but returned to the saddle last March. He was also an assistant to trainer Alastair Ralph.
British Horseracing Authority Chief Executive Nick Rust said in a statement, “We are devastated to hear the tragic news about Liam Treadwell. Liam had a fine career in British racing, riding over 300 winners in the 17 years that he held a jockeys' licence, obviously none more memorable than his remarkable 100-1 Grand National success on Mon Mome in 2009–a ride that cemented his place in racing folklore. The racing community will be united in grief today, and the thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with Liam's friends, family and colleagues.”
A joint statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Professional Jockeys Association read, “We were heartbroken to be informed this morning that one of our own, Liam Treadwell, has died. Tributes to Liam have rightly flowed in–given how universally popular, well-liked and respected he was–and the weighing room will be a lesser place for his absence.
“Liam will forever be remembered for winning the Grand National in 2009 on the 100-1 shot Mon Mome, trained by Venetia Williams. He was a gifted horseman, valued by racehorse trainers for both this and his communication skills. He was polite, funny, kind and brave, having spoken passionately and eloquently about his mental health issues both in the press but also in our own 'Jockey Matters' films. It is devastating that this has happened, and our thoughts and prayers are with Liam's family, friends and everyone who knew and supported him.”
Anyone within racing who is struggling with their mental health can contact Racing Welfare at 0800 6300 443, or Samaritans at 116 123.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
