Well-respected National hunt trainer Richard Woollacott died on Tuesday morning, aged 40, it has been announced.

Based at South Molton in Devon, Woollacott hit the headlines in December when Beer Goggles claimed victory in the Grade Two Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury in the hands of champion jockey Richard Johnson.

A representative for Richard Woollacott Racing said in a statement “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard this morning.

“May we ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this most difficult time.”

Woollacott had been training since 2008 and had sent out 60 winners including two at Grade 2 level, with Lalor winning Aintree’s Champion Bumper in April . This sad news certainly shocked the world of horse this morning as he was a well respected man.