Jockey Michael Pitt dead at 19: Police find body of stable lad after 'tragic accident'

JOCKEY Michael Pitt has died aged just 19 after a 'tragic accident'.

The apprentice rider's body was found by police at a Co-op petrol station in Hungerford, Berkshire, on Monday morning.

The cause of death is currently being treated as 'unexplained but not suspicious', police said.

Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund, said: "It is with desperate sadness that we can confirm that former apprentice jockey Michael Pitt, 19, sadly passed away following a tragic accident on Sunday.

"His family are enormously appreciative of the many messages they are receiving, as are Warren and Tessa Greatrex, whose yard Michael was working at in Lambourn.

"The family would respectfully ask that no cards or flowers be sent but instead any donations go to the Injured Jockeys Fund or Racing Welfare."

A statement from Thames Valley Police read: "Officers were called to the Co-op petrol station in Charnham Street, Hungerford, just after 7am on Monday.

"Sadly, the body of a man was located. The man's next of kin have been made aware and are being supported at this time.

"The thoughts of Thames Valley Police are with the man's family and friends at this difficult time.

"The man's death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

Michael, the son of top trainer Tim Pitt, had ridden 26 times on the Flat since taking out his licence in 2019.

He had recently just gained an amateur licence to ride over jumps and worked for Warren Greatrex as a stable lad.

Greatrex told the Racing Post: "It's an awful accident. He was a cracking lad and a really good young rider.

"He was loved by everybody and this has hit us all hard.

"He was a stable lad for us who had just got his amateur licence, he rode very well and worked hard as well.

"He'd been with us for about a year, he fitted in great and was a real cheeky chap.

"He always had a smile on his face and was very popular among staff."

Pitt's last race came at Southwell in November, when he finished seventh on Moonlighting.

    Source: Read Full Article