John Francome and Peter Scudamore were among those to pay tribute to Graham Bradley following the death of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle-winning jockey at the age of 65.
“I played a lot of golf with him and he was a really lovely lad and a lovely jockey,” Francome said. “He was very quiet (in the saddle) and could ride a very patient race, which is something a lot of people can't do. He was incredibly stylish and just a genuinely nice human being. He was very good – if you were a horse, you'd want him to ride you.”
Scudamore hailed not only Bradley's prowess in the saddle but also his many good traits as a person.
He said, “I've just posted a picture of him with my children when we were on holiday and we remained friends beyond racing. We were lucky enough to be riding great horses at the same time and he was a larger than life character – and character is the strongest word to describe him, he lived a fantastic and happy life. I will remember him as a fantastic jockey and a great golfing partner, but above all else the kindest man.”
Bradley rode more than 700 winners during his 22-year career in the saddle and is best remembered for partnering Bregawn to victory in the 1983 Gold Cup.
Bradley – who had been suffering from semantic dementia in recent years – also won the 1996 Champion Hurdle on Jim Old's Collier Bay and the 1985 Irish Grand National with Rhyme 'n' Reason, who three years later landed the Grand National at Aintree under his long-time friend Brendan Powell.
“He was a great jockey. They wrote the book 'The Wayward Lad' and that was Brad for you, but as a person he was a very kind, generous man and one of the best jockeys I've actually ridden against or seen – he was sheer class,” Powell said.
“He was one of the most stylish jockeys around. A lot of younger lads copied their style from him over the years. It's sad after how he'd become the last couple of years. Bob (Amanda Bradley) his wife has looked after him so well.”
A statement issued through the Injured Jockeys Fund on behalf of the family read, “It is with profound sadness that the family of Graham Bradley confirm his passing following a courageous five-year battle with semantic dementia.
“One of British racing's most talented and respected jockeys, Graham will be remembered not only for his remarkable achievements on the racecourse but also for his kindness, humour, and love for his family and friends.
“Graham passed away peacefully with his beloved wife, Bob (Amanda), and cherished daughter, Georgia May Bradley, by his side. The last words he heard were, 'We love you, and it's OK to go now.'
“He fought his illness with courage and dignity, surrounded by the unwavering love and support of his family.
“Bob and Georgia May would like to thank everyone for the kindness, love, and support shown throughout Graham's illness and ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
“Live for today, tomorrow is promised to no one.”
The Bradleys had relocated to France and a private cremation will take place on Friday, July 10 in Poitiers. A memorial service celebrating Bradley's life will be held at a later date in his home town of Wetherby, with details to be announced.
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