Liam Treadwell dead aged 34: Tributes paid to Grand National-winning jockey who rode 100-1 shot Mon Mome to victory

GRAND National-winning jockey Liam Treadwell has died at the age of 34.

Treadwell shot to fame after winning at Aintree on 100-1 shot Mon Mome in 2009 for Venetia Williams.

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Trainer Alastair Ralph confirmed that Treadwell was found dead this morning.

Ralph told The Sun: “We found him this morning, it’s all still very raw. It’s just terrible, he had suffered depression and it was on going for a couple of years.”

Mon Mome's win at Aintree was the joint-biggest-priced winner of the most famous steeplechase in the world and ensured Treadwell would go down in racing folklore forever.

But after a nasty fall at Bangor in 2016 - where he was unconscious for four minutes - he hung up the saddle in 2018 after a series of head injuries and personal problems, including a split from his wife Emily.

But Treadwell returned to the sport and had been riding mainly for trainer Alastair Ralph in recent times. He managed ten winners last season and rode at this year's Cheltenham Festival. His last race was at Hereford on March 16.

A West Merica police spokesman said: "Earlier this morning police were called to an address in Billingsley near Bridgnorth following the death of a man in his 30s.

"The death is currently being treated as unexplained however at this stage there is believed to be no third party involvement."

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He rode over 300 winners in his career and was also known for his teeth that Claire Balding infamously commented on after Mon Mome's win, and later apologised for.

Treadwell laughed off the remarks and was rewarded with a new free set of teeth in the aftermath.

Balding tweeted: "I am desperately sad to hear of the death of Liam Treadwell. My heart goes out to his family and all his friends.

"He was the loveliest guy with a great sense of humour and I know how much the IJF has supported him in recent years. It is a tragedy to have lost him so young."

Racing charity, Racing Welfare, said: "We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Liam Treadwell and wish to send our most sincere condolences to his friends and family.

"If you have been affected and would like to talk to someone, our team are available 24-7 via Racing’s Support Line."

Top jumps trainer Jonjo O'Neill, said: "Absolutely tragic news regarding Liam Treadwell. A lovely lad and brilliant jockey.

"All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."

Chief Executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), Nick Rust, said: "We are devastated to hear the tragic news about Liam Treadwell.

"Liam had a fine career in British racing, riding over 300 winners in the 17 years that he held a jockeys' licence, obviously none more more memorable than his remarkable 100-1 Grand National success on Mon Mome in 2009 - a ride that cemented his place in racing folklore.

"The racing community will be united in grief today, and the thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with Liam's friends, family and colleagues."