Campbell Gillies has lost his life on
holiday in Kavos,Corfu Greece, just months after securing the biggest win of
his racing career at the Cheltenham Festival.
He
rode Brindisi Breeze in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at
Cheltenham in March but tragically died in 'swimming pool incident'.
He
arrived on holiday on Monday with fellow jockeys Henry Brooke, Nathan
Moscrop and Harry Haynes and was due to celebrate his 22nd birthday on
Wednesday.
Horror: Gillies lost his life while on holiday with fellow jockeys in Greece
His Cheltenham winner Brindisi Breeze
was also killed last month after he jumped out of a paddock and was hit
by a lorry on a nearby road.
His friend and fellow jockey Alexander Voy took to Twitter to pass on his condolences after learning the news.
He said: 'I can't believe it. You
only have one best friend and now he's gone. I'll never forget you
@campbellgillies, love you pal xxx.'
Gillies, who was also associated with
the Willie Amos-trained Lie Forrit, primarily rode for Perth handler
Lucinda Russell after joining her team in 2007.
Gillies' agent Paul Brierley said: 'At the present time, all I can say is there has been an accident.'
And BBC racing presenter Clare Balding tweeted her sorrow after hearing of the jockey's death.
She said: 'So
sad to hear that jump jockey Campbell Gillies has died in an accident
on holiday. He was a lovely guy & a fine, brave jockey.'
Tragedy: Gillies savoured victory at Cheltenham this year
Gillies - whose brother Finlay plays rugby for
Glasgow Warriors - won 131 races in Britain and enjoyed his best ever
campaign in 2011-12 with 38 winners, and had ridden four winners so far
this season.
A club
statement from Warriors said: 'Glasgow Warriors are deeply saddened to
learn of the sad passing of Campbell Gillies, brother of Warriors hooker
Finlay.
'A promising young
jockey, Campbell shot to prominence when he rode Brindisi Breeze to
victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle on Gold Cup day at this
year's Cheltenham Festival.
'The thoughts of everyone at Glasgow Warriors are with Finlay and his family at this terrible time.'
Champion
jockey Tony McCoy said on Twitter: 'Very sad news about Campbell
Gillies. A very good jockey but an even better bloke. All our thoughts
are with his family RIP.'
Gold
Cup winner Sam Thomas was also on Twitter. saying: 'Saddening news
about Campbell Gillies, a great pilot, a top guy and most of all a true
gentleman. My thoughts go out to all his family.'
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