Jockey Liam Treadwell – who shocked the world with his sensational Grand National win on 100/1 outsider Mon Mome in 2009 – is found dead aged 34
- Jockey Liam Treadwell, who won the 2009 Grand National, has died aged 34
- Trainer Alastair Ralph described the death on Tuesday as ‘unbelievably sad’
- Tributes have poured in for Treadwell, who won world’s greatest steeplechase
- Ofcom received over 2,000 complaints when Clare Balding made reference to Treadwell’s teeth after his win on Mon Mome which she later apologised for
- The author and broadcaster has referred to his ‘great sense of humour’ in tribute
Jockey Liam Treadwell, who rode Mon Mome to victory in the 2009 Grand National, has died aged 34.
Trainer Alastair Ralph confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday and described Treadwell’s death as ‘unbelievably sad’ and a ‘big shock’. It has not been revealed how Treadwell passed away.
Tributes have poured in for Treadwell, who won the world’s greatest steeplechase at Aintree on 100/1 outsider Mon Mome 11 years ago.
Jockey Liam Treadwell, who rode Mon Mome to victory in the 2009 Grand National, has died
Following his victory on Mon Mome Ofcom received more than 2,000 complaints after author and broadcaster Clare Balding made reference to Treadwell’s teeth, saying ‘Just give us a big grin to the camera’.
which she did apologise for and made reference to his ‘great sense of humour’ in her tribute.
She wrote on Twitter: ‘I am desperately sad to hear of the death of Liam Treadwell. My heart goes out to his family and all his friends. He was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour and I know how much @IJF_official has supported him in recent years. It is a tragedy to have lost him so young.’
Trainer Jonjo O’Neill wrote on Twitter: ‘Absolutely tragic news regarding Liam Treadwell. A lovely lad and brilliant jockey. All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.’
Trainer Olly Murphy wrote on Twitter: ‘Terrible hearing the shocking news about Liam Treadwell. A kind, warm hearted man who I enjoyed having round Warren chase for the short spell he spent with us. May his mind now be at peace. Sleep well x.’
BHA chief executive Nick Rust said: ‘We are devastated to hear the tragic news about Liam Treadwell.
‘Liam had a fine career in 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.’
Tributes have poured in for Treadwell on social media, including from trainer Jonjo O’Neill
Trainer Olly Murphy also paid tribute to the jockey following his death on Tuesday
While author and broadcaster Clare Balding paid tribute to Treadwell on Twitter
As well winning on the Venetia Williams-trained Mon Mome on his first attempt, Treadwell was also third in the Grand National on Monbeg Dude in 2015.
Other big-race successes for Treadwell included the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree on Bennys Mist in 2015 and the Byrne Group Plate on Carrickboy at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013.
Treadwell announced his retirement from riding in February 2018, but returned to the saddle in March 2019.
As well as still riding, he was assistant to the Bridgnorth-based Ralph. Treadwell rode more than 300 winners during his career.
Aintree Racecourse Tweeted: ‘We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of 2009 Grand National winning jockey, Liam Treadwell. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.’