Last updated at 08:22, Wednesday, 10 October 2012

RACEGOERS at Hexham paid their respects to a young jockey who died earlier this year when National Hunt racing returned to Yarridge Heights after the summer break.

The meeting was dedicated to 21-year-old Campbell Gillies, a highly promising jockey who died in an accident in Corfu in June who was a popular jockey at Hexham over the years.
Campbell was highly respected by owners, trainers, fellow jockeys and racegoers and rode both his first winner, at just 16-years-old, and his last at Hexham, just two days before he died.
To mark the occasion, the racecourse executive, race day sponsors betfair and the National Association of Stable Staff decided to name a new accommodation block for stable lads and lasses The Campbell Gillies Lodge.
Campbell's mother, Lesley Gillies, supported by family and friends, performed the opening ceremony.
Hexham received a grant of £25,000 from betfair who invited independent racecourses to bid for funds on a match-funded basis to improve their stable staff facilities.

First published at 08:21, Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk