The racing industry is in shock today after Greek Australian jockey Stathi Katsidis was found dead in his home this morning at the age of 31.
According to multiple Australian media reports, Stathi Katsidis was found dead by his girlfriend Melissa Jackson. They have a 4-year-old son.
The cause of death has not been determined although he had a history of drug and alcohol problems. These include a positive test for ecstasy in 2008 and a prior drunken driving arrest according to media reports.
Katsidis was scheduled to ride Saturday.
His brother Michael Katsidis is a world champion boxer.
Michael Katsidis is in Thailand training for a November 27th HBO fight in Las Vegas against lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez.
Katsidis’ manager & trainer Brendon Smith found out about the death in a call from Katsidis’ mother and was going to break the news to the fighter.
“We haven’t spoken to Michael, but we have spoken to Brendon,” David Itskowitch, an executive with Golden Boy- Katsidis’ promoter, told ESPN.com. “Our concern right now is for Michael, not as to whether he will fight. He just lost his brother, who he was very close with. However long it takes, he will decide what he will do. Right now the fight is not a concern for us. We’re concerned for him.”
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