A JOCKEY who defied the bookmakers to win the Grand National died after taking a drug meant for horses, according to reports.
Liam Treadwell, who rode 100-1 shot Mon Mome to win the 2009 National, was found dead at his home after taking a cocktail of drugs.
The Arundel-born jockey had taken phenylbutazone or bute, a medication given to horses to alleviate pain and fever, according to the Daily Mail.
He had also taken class A substances and a post-mortem following his death in June found a high level of "drug toxicity".
A coroner said there was no evidence the 34-year-old intended to kill himself as he recorded a verdict of death by misadventure.
READ MORE >> Liam Treadwell death: Tributes paid to Arundel jockey
An inquest heard how Treadwell had suffered a concussion as a result of a fall in 2006 that left him unconscious for three minutes.
After his fall at Bangor, he was supported by the Injured Jockeys' Fund but decided to retire from racing in 2018.
Treadwell ended up in hospital after "drinking to excess" and split from his wife Emily.
However, his outlook gradually improved after going to work for trainer Alastair Ralph in Shropshire.
However, Treadwell, who lived in Shropshire, had relationship issues and missed seeing people during lockdown.
The inquest in Shrewsbury heard that on the evening of June 22, he took bute and other substances before texting a friend to tell them what he had done.
After failing to turn up for work the next day, Treadwell was found dead on his bedroom floor.
He had not left a note, and the coroner ruled there was no supporting evidence that he intended to kill himself.
Senior coroner John Ellery said: "I have to reach a conclusion on whether I think Liam’s death was deliberate.
"For suicide there has to be evidence of two things, the act which led to death and evidence of intent.
"There was evidence of the act because Liam took the bute at a toxic level. Do I consider that he intended to kill himself? No, I do not."
In a statement, his family said they were all very proud of him and that he was more interested in others than himself.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel