Popular former Newmarket apprentice Raymond Smith dies aged 43

Newmarket is mourning the death of popular former apprentice jockey Raymond Smith, who was found at an address in nearby Bury St Edmunds on Tuesday. He was 43.

Smith worked for a number of trainers around Newmarket over the years, including Luca Cumani, Michael Bell, Hugo Palmer and George Boughey.

A Suffolk Police spokesman said: “Police were called to a property on Howard Road, Bury St Edmunds to a report of the sudden death of a male in his 40s on Tuesday, December 20 at about 8.45am. It is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. The coroner has been informed."

Smith, who had a history of mental health issues, had six rides for Bell in 2002 and 2003 and was renowned as an excellent work-rider.

Bell said: "Ray worked for me between 2000 and 2007 and had two spells with us more recently. Everyone liked him and he was one of those 'ride anything' lads, but he battled with his demons.

"He came back to us at the beginning of this year but disappeared again in July. When he was here he was a model employee and everyone got on well with him and called him 'Raymondo'. After us I think he went to George Boughey, where something similar happened I believe.”

Boughey said: "It’s just awful. He was working for us until a few months ago. He’s always been in and out of support places and must have worked for us six or seven occasions over the time I’ve been training as he always came back. He was talking to a few of my staff only a few days ago. It’s desperately sad."

Former stalls handler Willie McKeown, a friend of Smith, said: “He was in and out of psychiatric units as he had mental health issues. In his memory I’m going to set up an app for people who need someone to talk to in such instances."

Anyone struggling with their mental health is encouraged to call either the Sporting Chance helpline on 07780 008877 or the Racing Welfare helpline on 0800 6300443