The longtime assistant of a legendary racehorse trainer has been found dead near the Greek resort island of Corfu, according to reports.
Hall of Fame handler Steve Asmussen said Thoroughbred Daily News that close friend Toby Sheets will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
While cousin Greg Sheets told the same website: “He passed away in Greece. Right now, that’s all we know.
“The family is trying to find out what happened.”
According to a CBS report, another tourist found Sheets’ body in the sea near the ancient port of Mathraki, a small island 45 minutes by boat from Corfu.
The report said Sheets, who was caring for the former Belmont Stakes winner’s breeder, was reported missing last Thursday.
And he was last seen alive two days earlier in a cafe, allegedly “in the company of two tourists”.
An Associated Press report said “the two tourists had already left the island.”
Mathraki is a small island measuring 1.3 square miles and its most recent figures for 2021 showed a population of just 174.
It is said to be a “serene and peaceful” vacation spot, but it has a rocky coastline lined with dense forests.
Most read in Horse Racing
According to the Athens News Agency, Sheets was in Mathraki during a holiday with a Greek-American friend.
Celebrated American trainer Asmussen, 58, said: “Toby has been part of our stable for many years, including our victory in the Belmont Stakes with Creator, as well as his expert handling at Haynesfield, among others.
“He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.”
Sheets’ age was not known and the cause of death was not immediately determined, but CBS reported that an autopsy took place yesterday in Corfu.
Brit TV doctor Michael Mosley was found dead just 90 seconds from the safety of a beach resort bar on the Greek island of Symi just over a week ago.
Asmussen is one of the most famous trainers in US motorsport and has more than 10,000 victories in his career.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 and his horses have earned more than £350 million.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
