Amanda Perrett remembers 'naturally gifted' Liam Treadwell

Amanda Perrett paid tribute to Liam Treadwell on Wednesday and spoke of the "desperately sad" situation after the death of the Grand National-winning jockey.

Treadwell's riding career started with Perrett where he rode on the Flat as an apprentice, before switching codes in 2004 and joining Venetia Williams.

"He was just an all-round top guy and it's just desperately, desperately sad," said Perrett. "Our sympathies and thoughts are with his parents Mark and Lorraine at the moment."

Amanda Perrett: gave Liam Treadwell a start in racing as an apprenticeCredit: Hugh Routledge

Perrett was the trainer who gave Treadwell his first opportunity in racing, but their relationship goes back much further.

Liam Treadwell's father Mark used to work for Dancing Brave's trainer Guy Harwood, who is Perrett's father, and she reminisced about the jockey's early days.

"Liam's father Mark and his uncle worked for my father, and then Mark went to work for John Dunlop so they've very much been racing people all their lives," Perrett explained.

"Mark and Lorraine did such a wonderful job teaching him to ride and giving him all the opportunities to learn. He was always a very naturally gifted jockey."

Although never managing to deliver a winning ride for Perrett, Treadwell did secure 28 victories on the Flat before switching to jumps and riding 308 winners.

Read more on Liam Treadwell:

Remembering Liam Treadwell: five famous days in the saddle

Richard Johnson: Liam was an all-round top man and liked by everybody

Why a festival victory meant so much despite the National fame

If you have been affected by this sad news and would like to talk to someone, Racing Welfare's team are available 24/7 via Racing’s Support Line on 0800 6300 443 or visit www.racingwelfare.co.uk, as are charity Samaritans by calling 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.