Graham Bradley ‘fought illness with courage and dignity’

Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Graham Bradley has died aged 65, after what his family described as a “courageous battle” with semantic dementia.

Bradley, or ‘Brad’ as he was fondly known to his friends and weighing-room colleagues, enjoyed a decorated career, most notably winning the 1983 Gold Cup aboard Bregawn, who led home a famous one-two-three-four-five for trainer Michael Dickinson.

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.

Dickinson was quick to pay his tribute to Bradley, who also starred aboard his Wayward Lad, winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day in 1985.

“Brad loved being a jump jockey, it was his passion in life,” he told the Press Association.

“He was a great tactician in a race because he knew every horse in that race. He was good over a fence, but he was great with tactics and a beautiful stylist.

“We shared some great days together, the Gold Cup in 1983 being just one of them. After 1984 I left and wasn’t with him forever, but he was passionate about racing and it all worked out.”

Harrogate-born Bradley 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 has looked after him so well.”

Another headline triumph for Bradley was Suny Bay in the 1997 Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury, after which he gave the Charlie Brooks-trained grey a sublime ride under top-weight of 12st to finish second to Earth Summit in the 1998 Grand National.

After his riding days ended, Bradley enjoyed success with his bloodstock business, including purchasing Seebald for footballers Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman and top two-mile chaser Well Chief for David Johnson.

For all of his brilliance on the track, Bradley did have his problems off it, being banned for eight years – reduced to five on appeal – in 2002 by the then Jockey Club after being found guilty of breaches of the rules, including passing privileged information to Brian Wright.

He made a one-off reappearance in the saddle in the Leger Legends charity race at Doncaster in 2010, finishing third aboard Aflaam.