Stable lad Michael Curran took his own life after struggling with depression following partner’s death, inquest hears

TRAGIC stable lad Michael Curran took his own life after struggling with depression following his partner’s car crash death, an inquest heard.

Curran, a hugely popular member of the racing community, was found dead at his flat in Exning, Suffolk, last May.

Curran, here with Frankie Dettori, had been battling depression when he tragically took his own life

He looked after superstar horses such as Epsom Derby winner Golden Horn and St James’ Palace Stakes hero Kingman.

But Curran, who was 54 at the time of his passing, had battled alcoholism and depression, the inquest at Suffolk Coroners’ Court was told.

The Scottish-born racing star was first diagnosed with depression following the death of his partner Mark in a car crash in 2017, the court heard.

Curran, who had won a Pride of Racing award for his work, had been living in a flat at the stables owned by jockey Darryll Holland near Newmarket.

Holland told the inquest that Curran, who he had known for 30 years, had previously told him about trying to take his own life.

Holland said: “I came back from Mauritius and went to visit him and he had marks on his skin.

“That didn’t bode well at all with me. He had just left [trainer] John Gosden.

“I know he was having problems with alcohol and he was turning in late.”

Curran was widely renowned for being brilliant with horses but he battled demons before his tragic passing

Curran drove Holland to the airport ahead of the jockey’s flight to Canada a few days prior to his tragic passing.

Holland told the court: “He was drinking a hell of a lot, he had an opportunity to ride out in the morning but he hadn’t been turning up for work.

“I was trying to encourage him to get a job but he just seemed to have lost a bit of spark and had no enthusiasm to go and do that.”

Holland told the inquest he became worried when he couldn’t reach Curran. He said: “I knew something wasn’t right.”

The court also heard how an assault in 2018 had left Curran suffering from anxiety.

Upon discovering his body, police also found a note left for his mother, Lily, and brother, Welsh, which read: “Love you. I know you will be sad and maybe angry, but don’t.”

Delivering his verdict, Nigel Parsley, senior coroner for Suffolk, said: “He was clearly a gifted horseman and well loved by many.

“His death is most certainly a tragedy.”

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans on (free) 116123 or 020 7734 2800.