Tim Bell rides on Tinto at The Oaks Day
An up-and-coming Australian jockey died after falling 12 floors to the ground from his Singapore apartment, police said yesterday.
Tim Bell, 22, “was found lying motionless at the foot of the building” late Tuesday, a police statement said. It said an unconscious Bell was taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, where he died from his injuries.
“Police are investigating the unnatural death,” the statement said.
Bell rode 135 winners in his first season as a senior jockey, winning the 2013-14 Brisbane jockey’s premiership. He was runner-up last season. A three-month riding contract with the Singapore Turf Club was to end in December.
The club said in a statement that unconfirmed reports suggest Bell fell while trying to climb into his apartment, after locking himself out. Trainer Steven Burridge, who was instrumental in bringing Bell to Singapore, called the man’s death a tragedy.
“Timmy had the whole future ahead of him and not only could he ride, but he was also such a great young man, and was very driven to become a very good jockey,” Burridge said.
Bell was a lightweight jockey who could ride at 50 kilograms. He rode a Group 3 winner less than two weeks ago, partnering Sebrose to victory in the 150,000 Singapore dollar (USD107,478) El Dorado Classic.
His parents, Grant and Keiley Bell, released a statement thanking racing fraternities and authorities for their son’s career. “Tim will always be remembered as our little hero and best mate,” the statement said. AP
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