The 2009 Grand National winning jockey Liam Treadwell has died at the age of 34, trainer Alastair Ralph has confirmed.
The Sussex-born jockey won the world’s greatest steeplechase on his first attempt riding 100-1 outsider Mon Mome to a surprise victory for trainer Venetia Williams.
A statement from West Mercia Police read: "Earlier this morning police were called to an address in Billingsley, near Bridgnorth, following the death of a man in his 30s.
"The death is currently being treated as unexplained. However, at this stage there is believed to be no third-party involvement."
As well as the 2009 win at the big one in Aintree, Treadwell also had a third placed finish in 2015 aboard Monbeg Dude.
Treadwell announced his retirement from riding in February 2018 but he returned to the saddle in 2019 and went on to ride ten winners in the 2019/20 season for trainer Ralph.
A short statement has been posted on the official Aintree Twitter account this afternoon which reads: "We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of 2009 Grand National winning jockey, Liam Treadwell.
"Our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time."
We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of 2009 Grand National winning jockey, Liam Treadwell.
Our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/pRsPAV1NGL— Aintree Racecourse (@AintreeRaces) June 23, 2020
Treadwell rode more than 300 winners during his career and was a very popular character in the sport.
Many figures involved in horse racing have being paying tribute.
"So sad to hear that Liam Treadwell has died, he won the Grand National on Mon Mome at 100/1. Our thoughts are with his family and friends," said trainer Martin Smith.
"I am desperately sad to hear of the death of Liam Treadwell," author and broadcaster Claire Balding wrote in a Twitter post.
"My heart goes out to his family and all his friends. He was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour and I know how much [the Injured Jockey's Fund] has supported him in recent years. It is a tragedy to have lost him so young."
Trainer Olly Murphy said: "Terrible hearing the shocking news about Liam Treadwell.
"A kind, warm hearted man who I enjoyed having round Warren chase for the short spell he spent with us. May his mind now be at peace. Sleep well x."
His finest moment in the saddle - Liam Treadwell winning the 2009 Grand National aboard 100-1 chance Mon Mome @AintreeRaces ❤️
Our condolences to all of Liam's family and friends. #RIPhttps://t.co/8wdQG9xuwt pic.twitter.com/Sdgeguwaje— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 23, 2020
I am desperately sad to hear of the death of Liam Treadwell. My heart goes out to his family and all his friends. He was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour and I know how much @IJF_official has supported him in recent years. It is a tragedy to have lost him so young.
— Clare Balding 💙 (@clarebalding) June 23, 2020
So sad to hear that Liam Treadwell has died, he won the Grand National on Mon Mome at 100/1. Our thoughts are with his family and friends! 🧡 pic.twitter.com/KPScGEsq8z
— 🏇🏽🏇🏽Martin Smith🏇🏽🏇🏽 (@MartinPBSmith) June 23, 2020
Terrible hearing the shocking news about Liam Treadwell. A kind, warm hearted man who I enjoyed having round Warren chase for the short spell he spent with us. May his mind now be at peace. Sleep well x
— Olly Murphy (@O_J_murphy91) June 23, 2020
