Since November 10, at least ten coaches have reported the reprehensible practice. The most famous name is Nicky Henderson, a six-time champion trainer who bred horses for Queen Elizabeth II and now does so for King Charles III. Other well-known coaches such as Gary Moore, Charlie Fellowes and Richard Fahey are also among the potential victims.
The NTF National Coaches Federation has spoken out about criminal behavior and has successfully sought an investigation from Essex police. Some coaches were able to record the conversation.
For example, Moore was told that the next time he was at a race track, he would be tapped on the shoulder, followed by an acid attack. “Someone called me at my office and said he was a sour person. My secretary was told that ‘Gary better be careful next time’. Because then he’ll find me and throw sulfuric acid in my face. Few coaches have received a call like that.”
Fellowes was recently threatened after putting the phone on speaker in front of his wife and three-year-old son. “This is not the first time I have received threats, but they usually come from gamblers who feel cheated because their favorite horse didn’t win. I’ve heard bad things: I’m a pedophile, or they hope my horse dies. It hurts. But this was different, unexpected because I didn’t have a horse in action that day. The tone of the caller’s voice was very dark.”
In late October, the NTF launched a campaign for coaches to report such forms of abuse. In recent years, coaches have increasingly received threats via phone, email or online messages.
“Typical tv ninja. Pop culture lover. Web expert. Alcohol fan. Wannabe analyst. General bacon aficionado.”
