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Rugeley-based Gavin Ivan Husband served his apprenticeship with local trainer Reg Hollinshead, whose famous ‘academy’ had produced many leading riders over the years.
Rugeley-based Gavin Ivan Husband served his apprenticeship with local trainer Reg Hollinshead, whose famous ‘academy’ had produced many leading riders over the years.
Gavin rode his first winner on 9-2 favourite Heard It Before, trained by Hollinshead, in division two of the Madeley Claiming Stakes at Wolverhampton on May 15, 1989. He ended the season with a score of five winners, three of them for trainer John Spearing, from 66 mounts.
Gavin rode his first winner on 9-2 favourite Heard It Before, trained by Hollinshead, in division two of the Madeley Claiming Stakes at Wolverhampton on May 15, 1989. He ended the season with a score of five winners, three of them for trainer John Spearing, from 66 mounts.
He went on to ride a total of 55 winners as an apprentice in the early 1990s before increasing size and weight cut short his Flat racing career. He then joined jumps trainer Ginger McCain and had a few rides over hurdles but his inexperience in that sphere meant he was unable to get regular rides. He moved to Newmarket and worked as a stable lad and also had a spell working in America.
He went on to ride a total of 55 winners as an apprentice in the early 1990s before increasing size and weight cut short his Flat racing career. He then joined jumps trainer Ginger McCain and had a few rides over hurdles but his inexperience in that sphere meant he was unable to get regular rides. He moved to Newmarket and worked as a stable lad and also had a spell working in America.
Soon after, he began to suffer pain in his shins and developed a gastric disorder for which he received treatment. Worried about his health problems, in early August 1997 he saw a consultant in Manchester who recommended he undergo more tests. This led, his mother Christine later confirmed, to him becoming “very quiet” over the next couple of days.
Soon after, he began to suffer pain in his shins and developed a gastric disorder for which he received treatment. Worried about his health problems, in early August 1997 he saw a consultant in Manchester who recommended he undergo more tests. This led, his mother Christine later confirmed, to him becoming “very quiet” over the next couple of days.
On August 7, 1997, Gavin left his home and hurled himself 60ft to his death from a footbridge spanning Hollybush Road, Bridgnorth. He was found dead the following morning. A suicide note was found in his pocket. He was 25.
On August 7, 1997, Gavin left his home and hurled himself 60ft to his death from a footbridge spanning Hollybush Road, Bridgnorth. He was found dead the following morning. A suicide note was found in his pocket. He was 25.
Medical evidence revealed he had taken a “moderate overdose” of between five and ten paracetamol tablets. However, the pathologist said this was not enough to have affected his capabilities or balance. The South Shropshire coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.
Medical evidence revealed he had taken a “moderate overdose” of between five and ten paracetamol tablets. However, the pathologist said this was not enough to have affected his capabilities or balance. The South Shropshire coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.
Gavin’s younger brother, Eugene Husband, went on to become a successful jump jockey, his wins including the Stratford Summer Cup.
Gavin’s younger brother, Eugene Husband, went on to become a successful jump jockey, his wins including the Stratford Summer Cup.
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