BHA chief leads tributes to 'talented' Gillies
THE chief executives of the BHA and Professional Jockeys Association have paid tribute to promising jockey Campbell Gillies, who died on Tuesday morning.
According to reports, Gillies, who would have been 22 on Wednesday, died following a swimming pool accident when on holiday on the Greek island of Corfu.
Campbell Gillies partners Brindisi Breeze to victory at Cheltenham
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)He enjoyed the biggest success of his career when Brindisi Breeze won the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Paul Bittar, chief executive of the BHA, said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news that Campbell Gillies lost his life in an accident while on holiday in Kavos.
"Campbell was a young, talented and popular rider. At only 21 he had established himself as one of the rising stars in jump racing and enjoyed his first Cheltenham Festival winner this year. Sadly this tragic accident means that his outstanding potential will remain unfulfilled.
"At a time like this our thoughts turn first and foremost to Campbell's friends, family and colleagues. On behalf of everyone at the BHA I offer our sincere condolences."
Bittar's counterpart at the PJA, Paul Struthers, added: "We are shocked by the incredibly sad news of the death of Campbell Gillies and the thoughts of all jockeys and everyone at the PJA are today immediately with Campbell's family and friends.
"Campbell was a very popular member of the weighing room and was immensely well liked by his colleagues.
"His riding career was beginning to flourish and he had a great future ahead of him
"It is so tragic that he has lost his life at such a young age when Campbell had so much more to look forward to. We are liaising closely with the Injured Jockeys Fund who are on standby to provide any support that is required."
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