Work rider dies after accident on Newmarket Heath

A part-time work rider died following a fall on Newmarket Heath on Wednesday last week (17 November).

Amateur jockey Christopher Watson, 61, was riding out for trainer John Berry when he is believed to have suffered a problem with his stirrup and died after striking a tree.

“He was an extremely nice man, a first-class rider, and a true amateur in the best sense of the word — in that he did it for love,” said Mr Berry. “It is very distressing for everyone.”

Mr Watson was using his own tack while riding John Berry’s six-year-old gelding Kadouchski on Side Hill when the accident happened just before 10am.

Mr Berry paid tribute to the police, emergency services and Newmarket team who acted swiftly and professionally following the accident.

“It’s a classic illustration that accidents with horses can come out of nowhere,” he said. “Nothing should have gone wrong.”

An inquest will be held at a later date.

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