Kevin Philippart de Foy pays tribute after workrider found dead in Newmarket

17 July 2023 , 17:23

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Trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy paid tribute to Jordan Smith (Image: PA)

The racing community in Newmarket is in mourning following the death of work rider Jordan Smith at the weekend.

Smith, 29, was found dead on Saturday morning at Egerton Stud in Newmarket where his employer, trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy, has a second yard.

The day before he had led up last year's Victoria Cup winner Vafortino at York where the horse was beaten by a short head.

De Foy scratched the two horses who were due to run on Saturday as a mark of respect after Smith was discovered by a fellow member of staff. There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Philippart de Foy told : "Everyone at Machell Place and Egerton Stables is devastated. He had been a member of my team here for two years and has been a fantastic lad.

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“He looked after Valfortino, who won the Victoria Cup last year, and had taken him racing at York only the day before his death when he finished second. He loved his horse.”

He added: “Jordan enjoyed his cricket and was supposed to play against the Newmarket trainers on Sunday.

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“He joined us from David Simcock and before that he was based in Yorkshire. We got to know him well and he had a great personality and was a very hard worker. It’s very sad what has happened.

“I must say Racing Welfare have been fantastic over the last few days. They’ve been very supportive to staff members who worked with Jordan every day. We are lucky to have such a charity in Newmarket who are doing a brilliant job.”

Smith played cricket for Newmarket CC who held a minute’s silence in his memory before the start of their match on Sunday, for which the players wore black armbands.

Jon Lees