Nigel Latham dies two days after fulfilling final wish of trip to the races

A racing fan from the UK who fulfilled his final wish to go to the track has sadly died.

Nigel Latham was taken to Morphettville in Australia, where he watched races from his hospital stretcher bed.

Two days after the poignant moment on May 1, shared around the world in a viral clip, Latham passed away.

His family said in a statement: "The family of Nigel Latham would like to thank the racing community and many others who have shared their best wishes and support after hearing about Nigel’s love of racing and final wishes.

"Nigel sadly passed away peacefully at home in Adelaide Australia, on May 3, 2021, aged 58, following a short illness.

"Devoted husband to Julie, beloved son to Bill and Wendy and loving brother to Mandy, Nigel will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends.

"They have been extremely touched by the response to Nigel’s story and the support they have received.

"A service will be held in Adelaide on Friday, May 14. Nigel’s wish was to come home to the UK where his final resting place will be under the shadow of the Malvern Hills."

Latham was taken to the racecourse on his way home for palliative care, after ambulance workers asked if he wanted to stop off anywhere.

They took him to the Adelaide venue where he watched Craig Williams win the final race on Lady Dunmore.

The Melbourne Cup-winning jockey said Latham had inspired the victory and gave him his racing goggles.

Williams said: "Nigel's here. He's only got maybe days to live. He's come here with the ambulance people (and he's) at the 200m mark.

"His last dying wish was to come to the races.

"So to Nigel Latham I said, 'if my horse gets over the line, I'll make sure I give you the winning goggles'.

"She did her job really well. It was his inspiration and we need to be grateful to people like Nigel who support the industry.

"His last dying wish was to come here today for a great raceday."

Latham spent his early life in Worcestershire, before he moved to Australia in 2006.

In his memory his family hope to raise £1,000 for the Bob Champion Cancer Trust.

Former top jockey Champion won his battle with the disease before winning the 1981 Grand National on Aldaniti – and later set up the charity.

This week he is set to complete a walk for the Trust, to mark 40 years since his memorable success.

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