A LEGENDARY jockey dubbed ‘racing’s Mr Nice Guy’ has died aged 82 – plunging the sport into mourning.
Bruce Raymond, who later became racing manager to some mega names, was runner-up in the 1993 Derby on 150-1 outsider Blue Judge.
1
He won the Haydock Sprint Cup three times as well as the July Cup, the Nunthorpe, Ayr Gold Cup and 1985 Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot aboard Bob Back.
After he retired he became a key cog in the machine of top level racing, being manager to the likes of Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum, Saeed Suhail and Jaber Abdullah.
Former jockey Philip Robinson, who became Raymond’s assistant, said he was like a ‘second father’ to him and many others.
He said: “He’s going to leave a big, big hole in my heart and also in the heart of plenty of people in racing.
“He was racing’s Mr Nice Guy and I don’t know anyone with a bad word to say about him.
“He’s sort of been like a second father to me ever since my father died.
“He was close to my father and has been a very close friend of mine and a great work colleague.
“He was someone who could find something funny in even the worst things and he could cheer up the day no matter what the circumstances, he was a joy to work with.
“He was a people person and a joy to be around. He could make you smile, even on the saddest of occasions.”
More to follow.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
