Warren Greatrex distraught following the death of stable lad David Thompson

A distraught Warren Greatrex was coming to terms on Monday with the death of stable lad David Thompson, who was found dead in Lambourn over the weekend just months after the yard was rocked by the loss of groom Michael Pitt.

Thompson, 25, was last seen at 5pm on Thursday and a statement from Thames Valley Police read: "It is with regret that we confirm a body has been found in connection with a missing person investigation.

"David Thompson was reported missing from Lambourn in Berkshire. Sadly, the body of a man has been found near Lambourn."

Greatrex spoke in candid fashion when remembering Thompson and implored anyone in the industry to be open and honest about difficulties they may be struggling with.

Warren Greatrex: 'I've seen first hand the pain this brings'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Explaining how Thompson came to join his team, he said: "A lady called Susie Goodall got in touch with us. She works for a charity called The Bridge of Hope, which helps children and young adults find better lives in horseracing.

"David had been at Harry Fry's before joining us in July 2020. I don't know all the ins and outs of his background, but he'd hit bad times and has been nothing but a joy since coming to us.

"He was a yard man, who loved his horses and was a big part of the team – very chatty, a good laugh. He loved his music, particularly rock music, and would always save up to buy a new guitar now and then and I think he had about seven.

"He was a big Chelsea fan, which didn't go down well with everyone here because four or five of us support Spurs.

"He was hard working and a great member of the team. His favourite horse was Missed Vacation, and he doted on her. The horses definitely helped him. He adored them and loved his job.

"We're hurting and his family will be going through that same hurt, so I feel desperately for them.

"There's no hiding the fact; it's only been a few months since another member of staff had done the same and it's been tough, but I've got such a good team. They've stuck together and will stick together and, as a family, we will get through it. It's not easy, but we will get through it."

In July, the 19-year-old Pitt, a former apprentice who had worked for Greatrex for more than a year, was found dead in Hungerford and an inquest into his death heard he had no history of mental health issues as a coroner described the incident as "out of character".

Michael Pitt: died in JulyCredit: Ian Headington/racingfotos

"Neither of the lads gave you any inkling," the Cheltenham Festival-winning trainer added.

"You hear it all the time, but it's so right, and people have just got to talk. That will help and I make sure that me and the senior staff are always there for people to talk and my assistant Olly [Kozak] is brilliant with the staff – as good as you'd get in terms of being there for people, as is my wife Tess and Karen [Dooley] in the office, and the head lads Ian Yeats and Trigger [David Plunkett].

"The thing that hurts the most is that you had no idea these lads were struggling. There were no signs of them feeling low, and that's a scary thing.

"It's twice now and you try to learn from things and what you can do differently or better, but unless people want to talk you won't know.

"Racing Welfare has been brilliant and people had counselling sessions because it's important. The staff do everything together and are a really good bunch and that hurts me – I find it so hard for them. It's nothing anyone's done and it doesn't seem fair on them."

Greatrex, a father of five whose son Tom rides on the Flat, which his twin brother Eddy also did before retiring last year, continued: "If anyone wanted me to talk to someone or do something to help prevent this happening, believe me, I would because no-one should have to go through what we're going through. I've seen first hand the pain this brings.

"It hurts for the staff. I see them 24/7 and, especially to the younger members, feel like a father figure. I'm the person they'd go to if they have problems and I've worked in racing a long time.

"Some people are approachable and some aren't, but I'm a guy you can talk to and if I'm not, Olly definitely is. I'd bend over backwards to help and not being able to in these situations hurts because you feel a sense of responsibility."

Racing Welfare's team are available 24/7 via Racing's Support Line on 0800 6300 443 or visit . The Samaritans can be reached by calling 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. In Ireland, Pieta can be contacted on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.