'He will be remembered forever here' - Greatrex pays tribute to Michael Pitt
Warren Greatrex has paid tribute to Michael Pitt after the celebration of his life at the West Berkshire Crematorium in Thatcham on Saturday.
Pitt was an apprentice jockey on the Flat, riding mostly for Denis Coakley and Roger Teal, before joining Greatrex's yard over a year ago as a stable lad with ambitions to ride over jumps as an amateur. He died in a "tragic accident" on July 4 and there was a massive turnout from family, friends and colleagues to say goodbye to the hugely popular 19-year-old.
"There was a huge turnout, it just shows how popular he was," said Greatrex. "We're all still devastated but the service went extremely well and the family were incredible. There were family and friends aplenty.
"We'll remember him for his cheeky smile and constant humour. It's put everything into perspective and you realise we're not all invincible. It's very sad but my thoughts are with the family who have just been incredible. He will be remembered forever here."
No black was worn at the family's request and rather than flowers anyone looking to contribute was asked to donate to the Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing Welfare in Pitt's honour.
His former boss Teal was also in attendance and added: "It was a really nice service and a lot of people turned up. It was nicely done and he got a good send off. He was a very popular young man."
Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!
Published on 24 July 2021inNews
Last updated 17:04, 24 July 2021
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement
- Merci Olivier! No final winner for Olivier Peslier but the world of racing unites in saluting the end of a great career
- The latest edition of the Racing Post is available to read online now - here's how you can access it
- How Smart View recorded a 76 per cent profit at the Cheltenham Festival
- Smart View is available on the Racing Post app - how to read the revolutionary new racecard
- Levy reform talks 'accelerating' as clock ticks down to April deadline for agreement