Very sad. Fought back from a serious head injury and seemed happy when last interviewed about his role as assistant trainer/jockey to Alastair Ralph.
I found this from an article written a year ago:
Racing, he says, has come a long way with its understanding of mental health issues but still has some way to go. “Jockeys have this image of being indestructible,” he points out. “You get a fall, you get back as soon as you can, you’re fine, you stick your chest out and hold your chin up high.
“I love my cricket. Cricketers see sports psychologists the whole time, but if you told some trainers you wouldn’t be in to ride out in the morning because you were seeing a psychologist they would ask, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ ”
I hope that the BHA and Injured Jockeys Fund continue to help those in the industry who need help. The mind, very often, isn't as strong as the body.
Comments
I found this from an article written a year ago:
Racing, he says, has come a long way with its understanding of mental health issues but still has some way to go. “Jockeys have this image of being indestructible,” he points out. “You get a fall, you get back as soon as you can, you’re fine, you stick your chest out and hold your chin up high.
“I love my cricket. Cricketers see sports psychologists the whole time, but if you told some trainers you wouldn’t be in to ride out in the morning because you were seeing a psychologist they would ask, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ ”
I hope that the BHA and Injured Jockeys Fund continue to help those in the industry who need help. The mind, very often, isn't as strong as the body.
RIP
I hope for his families sake it wasn't suicide, but it seems Ralph's comments to tend to lean that way.
Rest in Peace Liam. Far too young.
RIP Liam