Shock at racehorse trainer's death (From The Oxford Times)

Shock at racehorse trainer's death

9:30am Thursday 29th December 2011 in Wantage

MEMBERS of the racing community have paid tribute to racehorse trainer Jo Winter, who was found dead at her Oxfordshire home on Christmas Eve.

Miss Winter, the 54-year-old daughter of jockey and racehorse trainer Fred Winter, ran a livery yard at Kingston Lisle near Wantage, where her clients included trainers Nicky Henderson and Sir Henry Cecil and syndicate manager Henry Ponsonby.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Miss Winter’s death at her home in Ashbury, near Shrivenham, and an inquest will be held by the Oxfordshire coroner.

Miss Winter’s sister, Philly Jacomb, who lives in Chilton near Didcot, said: “The whole family is devastated. This has been a terrible shock. She will be greatly missed.”

Mr Ponsonby said: “I’m devastated. Jo was a dear friend who played a leading role in looking after our horses.

“She adored all her animals and was so kind to everyone.

“She will leave a big hole in our lives. My thoughts are with her mother and sisters.”

Racing pundit Luke Harvey, who lives near Kingston Lisle, added: “Jo inherited her love of horses from her father and was a great horsewoman herself.

“The Winters are an institution and this is tragic. I would often see Jo riding horses around the village.

“Everyone is extremely shocked by this. Jo was very well regarded.”

Miss Winter’s partner David Berry died of cancer in the summer.