Yard stunned by death of top groom

STAFF at an award-winning horseracing yard are in mourning after the sudden death of one of its top grooms.

Eric Clamp, 33, was found dead at the Pegasus Stables in Newmarket, in the early hours of Saturday morning, and his death has left members of the local horseracing industry stunned.

Mr Clamp was a well-known figure in the horseracing industry and in 2002 he looked after Hors La Loi, which romped to victory in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

During his career as a stable boy he helped rear and groom a number of race-winning horses.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious and Mr Clamp's funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

Last night, James Fanshawe, who runs the Pegasus yard, led the tributes to Mr Clamp.

"Eric had worked for me for five years and his death has come as a great shock," he said. "He was a very popular member of our team and was very well respected throughout Newmarket."

Mr Clamp was originally from Hawick in Scotland, but had been based in Newmarket for a number of years.

After arriving in Newmarket he spent seven years working as a groom for trainer Alec Stewart, before spending six years at Clive Brittain's yard.

After moving to the Pegasus yard, Clamp inherited Hors La Loi, which he helped guide to the famous 2002 Champion Hurdle win, which at the time he described as "the biggest thrill I have ever had in horseracing."

Mr Clamp was a single man, and his sudden death has come as a great shock to everybody that knew him.

Mr Fanshawe added: "Eric was not only a top groom, but a very, very skilled horseman and rider.

Everybody in Newmarket new him and everyone at the yard are saddened and shocked by what has happened.

"Eric was a man who really enjoyed his work, at which he was first rate. He was such a likeable person who had a lot of friends here. He will be very much missed by us all."