Impact of Campbell Gillies’s unexpected death visibly felt at Beverley
The death of 21-year-old rider, Campbell Gillies, has caused grief immense grief throughout the U.K. racing circuit, and this sadness could be felt at Beverley where a moment of silence was observed to pay respect to the young jockey.
Charles Maxsted, Beverley chairman told the press that: "Campbell was a very nice young man and an up-and-coming rider over jumps. It's a terrible pity to lose him in the prime of his life. Everyone here at Beverley is deeply saddened by what has happened."
The jockey died in a swimming accident - while on holiday, and the sense of his absence could be felt in the East Yorkshire circuit, where the event was held.
The jockeys wore black armbands in all seven races to pay respect, and express their grief to the untimely death of their fellow rider.
The potential of the talented jockey will never be unfilled, as he passed away at such a young age.
The rider was beginning to take a firm hold on his profession after leading, Brindisi Breeze to success in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Spa Novices' Hurdle Race) in the Cheltenham Festival.
The impacts of the death of Campbell Gillies could be felt during the race as Graham Lee, another jockey, expressed his emotions and told the press:
"It's too soon to talk about it. I just can't believe what's happened."
The rider mount for the evening was Just Lille, who landed a victory in the St. John Ambulance Claiming Stakes, and justified his status as race favourite, when he defeated, Halla San, by 4 lengths over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs.
Despite his regrets, the rider was satisfied with the way the runner performed, the trainer Ann Duffield, was optimistic about the future plans of her mare and stated to the press that:
"There's a race at Chester for her on Saturday and we'll go there now."
On the same card, Graham Lee was coupled with the four-year-old Pintrada, and guided him to victory in the Remember John "Mother" Hubbard Handicap.
Over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs, the Tim Easterby trained, King Of The Celts, won it by a narrow margin of a short-head.
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