Assistant trainer Adrian Grain dies at 70 after being paralyzed in a freak horse racing accident.
On October 17, 2022, Grain’s life changed forever when his mount stumbled and threw him off at the Malton gallops. The accident resulted in severe injuries, including four broken vertebrae from C1 to C4 and damage to his throat, which led to a ten-day induced coma. Despite the adversity, those closest to him will always remember Grain as a well-dressed and vibrant presence at any gathering. Grain had initially shown promising signs of recovery and had been receiving support from Jack Berry House and the Injured Jockeys Fund, using a walking machine to aid his rehabilitation.
Described as a true gentleman and expert horseman, Grain’s profound knowledge of horses made a lasting impact on those around him. However, his health took a downturn after contracting a virus over Christmas, causing a significant weight loss. Expressing the profound sense of loss, a deeply emotional Woods spoke of the challenges faced since the accident, describing it as a tragic and unforeseeable event that resulted in extensive damage. The grief and difficulty in coming to terms with the situation were deeply felt by those who knew and loved Grain.
The details of Grain’s funeral arrangements are yet to be determined, further adding to the emotional weight of this difficult time.