RACING is in mourning after the ‘shock’ death of former jockey Dallon Holmes aged 25.
‘Devastated’ trainer Michael Bell, who Holmes was a work-rider for, is coming to terms with the loss of the ‘lovely lad’, report the Racing Post.
Former jockey Dallon Holmes, seen here before racing at Newbury a few years ago, has died aged 25
Holmes was found dead in his flat in Newmarket, Suffolk, on Sunday morning having been in work just the day before.
Bell, who is uncle to ITV presenter Oli, said the tragic death was a ‘horrible shock’.
The 2005 Derby-winning trainer added: “What a waste as he was a lovely lad.
“All at the yard are having to come to terms with a loss, not least his brother George who is only 18 and who we are all looking after the best we can.
“I think Dallon was from a big family, who are all devastated, as you can imagine.”
Holmes was from Burton upon Trent and had previously worked with Bell’s fellow trainer David Simcock.
He said was ‘so sad’ to hear of the passing and recalled Holmes riding for him at Newbury a few years ago.
Photos posted online showed a proud Holmes posing after finishing sixth on his first ride for the yard.
Bell added: “He was a good rider and only rode work for me on Saturday after which it was his weekend off.
“It was coming up to the anniversary of his father dying prematurely from cancer a couple of years ago.”
More to follow.