The Waikato racing community is in shock after the death of popular horseman Paul Fitzgerald, at the age of 34.
Fitzgerald, a noted jumps jockey and stable foreman for Te Awamutu trainer Robert Priscott, died of a heart attack on Monday while playing business house cricket.
His death occurred just three months after his marriage to Priscott's daughter Melanie.
Priscott had been in Australia preparing Hill Of Grace for the Australian Cup, in which she finished 12th, and hurried back as soon as he heard that Fitzgerald was ill.
"He was a great asset to the stable and a great friend. This is a shock to us all," said Priscott.
Fitzgerald was one of the country's best riders of jumpers in recent years.
His best victory came aboard Classic Heights in the 1996 Great Northern Steeplechase, while he was also associated with outstanding hurdler Clean Cut.
In the past two years he had a lot to do with preparing and riding the Priscott-trained Reb's Shu, a dashing steeplechaser whose best victory came in the McGregor Grant Steeplechase last June.
Rick Williams of The Oaks Stud, who employs Fitzgerald's wife Melanie and whose boss Terry Jarvis races many horses with the Priscott stable, said he was an integral part of the team.
- NZPA
Racing: Death shock to stable
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