Liam Treadwell death: Tributes paid to Arundel jockey

Arundel-born Liam Treadwell was found dead in his Shropshire home this morning. His death is currently unexplained.

The jockey learned how to ride at Castle Stables in his home town and went to Angmering School.

In 2009 he sprang one of the biggest surprises in Grand National history when he beat 100-1 odds to win the race on Mon Mome.

Mon Mome's trainer Venetia Williams, who often partnered with Mr Treadwell, paid tribute to the jockey.

Mr Treadwell beat 100-1 odds to win the Grand National in 2009

"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," she said.

"We thought his renewed career had put in him in a situation where he was happy. It's desperately sad news.

"We shared a day that was certainly the best day of my life, and I suspect of his.

"Liam rode many winners for us, but over and above that he was such a lovely person and, ironically, always such a happy person.

"Not a day went by without him putting a smile on somebody's face."

Together the jockey and trainer won the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase at Aintree with Bennys Mist in 2015 and the Byrne Group Plate with Carrickboy at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013.

Mr Treadwell struck up a successful partnership with trainer Venetia Williams

Mr Treadwell announced his retirement from riding in February 2018 for health reasons.

But he returned to the saddle a year later and won more than 300 races in his career.

The Injured Jockeys Fund released a statement on behalf of Mr Treadwell's parents, Mark and Lorraine, and his brother Nathan.

The statement read: "We are heartbroken that this has happened. We ask kindly that everyone respects our privacy in the coming days, so that we can begin to come to terms with our loss."

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."

Mick Fitzgerald, a former weighing-room colleague of Mr Treadwell's, said the jockey was a "really nice guy".

Mr Treadwell won other prestigious competitions including the Byrne Group Plate at Cheltenham Festival in 2013

He told Sky Sports Racing: "Seeing him winning the Grand National is in many ways the best way to remember him.

"He was a really nice guy, he was a lovely rider - and it's just awfully sad. It's sad for his family and anybody connected with him. It just highlights again how precious life is.

"We used to call him 'Tredders'. He just got on with it when he was racing. You never knew he was there. He wasn't a shouter. He just wanted to do the best he could, and it's just awfully sad for everybody involved."

The British Horseracing Authority's chief executive Nick Rust also paid tribute, saying 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 jockey retired in 2018 but began riding again a year later

"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 statement released on behalf of 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."