Campbell Gillies facts for kids

Campbell Gillies (born June 27, 1990 – died June 26, 2012) was a talented Scottish National Hunt jockey. He was famous for winning a big race called the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival. He rode a horse named Brindisi Breeze to victory in that race. During his career, Campbell won 131 races. Many people thought he was one of the best young jockeys in the United Kingdom. He often rode for a well-known trainer named Lucinda Russell.

Campbell Gillies' Racing Career

Starting Out as a Jockey

Campbell Gillies had his very first race when he was 15 years old. He rode for a trainer named Willie Amos in Hawick. His first win came on May 12, 2007, at Hexham Racecourse. He was riding a horse called Gunson Hight for the same trainer.

Later that year, after finishing school, Campbell became a conditional jockey for Lucinda Russell. This meant he was a young jockey who got a weight allowance in races. He moved to her stables in Kinross-shire. In his first full season, he rode in 55 races and won 11 of them.

Learning from the Best

While at Lucinda Russell's stables, Campbell learned a lot from experienced jockeys. He was taught by Peter Scudamore, who was a former British jump racing champion. He also learned from the stable's main jockey, Peter Buchanan.

Peter Scudamore thought Campbell was very smart during a race. Many people in the racing world believed Campbell was one of the most promising young jockeys in jump racing.

Big Wins and Achievements

Campbell's first major victory happened in 2009 at the Grand National meeting. This big event takes place at Aintree Racecourse. He won the John Smith's Handicap Hurdle on a horse named Culcabock. This horse was trained by Lucinda Russell and was a big surprise winner at 66-1 odds.

Campbell went on to win over 50 races for Lucinda Russell. His biggest win came with another one of her horses, Brindisi Breeze. Together, they won the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival. This festival win was the highlight of his best season ever. He finished that season with 38 wins from 300 races.

After his death, Campbell was honored at the 2013 Lester Award ceremony. He received the Jump Jockey Special Recognition Award for 2012.

Campbell Gillies' Personal Life

Campbell went to school at Knox Academy in Haddington. He also studied at the British Racing School, which helps train young people for careers in horse racing.

His brother, Finlay Gillies, is also a sportsman. He plays hooker for the Glasgow Warriors rugby team. In 2011, female racegoers at Hexham Racecourse's ladies day voted Campbell Britain's 'Best Looking Jockey'.

Career Statistics

Notable Race Wins

• John Smith's Handicap Hurdle, Aintree: Culcabock 2009
• Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle: Brindisi Breeze 2012

Seasonal Totals of Winners

• 2007/08 11
• 2008/09 27
• 2009/10 22
• 2010/11 29
• 2011/12 38
• 2012/13 4
• Career Flat winners 2