Hundreds pay their respects to tragic jockey
Bryan Copland • Published 10 Jul 2012 09:29
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ABOUT 600 people turned out to pay their respects to Haddington jockey Campbell Gillies at his funeral last Friday.
National Hunt jockey Mr Gillies died in a swimming pool accident while on holiday in Corfu on June 25, a day before his 22nd birthday.
More than 300 people had to stand outside the service at Mortonhall Crematorium as there was not enough room inside.
The humanist service was led by Tim McGuire, and Mr Gillies' brother Findlay - a pro rugby player with Glasgow Warriors - was among those to speak.
A reported 100 jockeys attended the service - including legendary champion Tony McCoy - and Peter Buchanan, who paid tribute to his former riding colleague.
Lucinda Russell, whose yard Mr Gillies was associated with, also spoke at the service, while Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill and Scotland football manager Craig Levein were among those in attendance.
A memorial ceremony was held afterwards at Musselburgh Racecourse.
Former Knox Academy pupil Mr Gillies, who grew up on Haddington High Street, Mr Gillies enjoyed the biggest win of his career in March when riding Brindisi Breeze to victory in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle on Gold Cup day at the Cheltenham Festival.
The horse died in May when hit by a tanker after escaping from its paddock at Ms Russell's Perthshire yard.
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