Toby Sheets, a longtime horse trainer who worked with Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, was found dead on Sunday on the Greek island of Mathraki under mysterious circumstances, adding to a string of unexplained deaths in the area.
Toby Sheets, a renowned horse trainer who collaborated closely with legendary trainer Steve Asmussen, was found deceased on the remote Greek island of Mathraki on Sunday. The news sent shockwaves through the horse racing community, and his family and friends seek answers regarding the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
Greg Sheets, Toby's cousin, confirmed his passing to Thoroughbred Daily News, stating that the family is still piecing together the events leading up to his death.
Death of Horse Trainer Toby Sheets on Greek Island Raises Questions
"He did pass away in Greece," Greg stated. "As of right now, that’s all we know. The family is trying to figure out what happened."
Sheets, aged 55, was a highly esteemed figure within the horse racing industry and played a pivotal role in Asmussen's stable.
Death of Horse Trainer Toby Sheets on Greek Island Raises Questions
In recent weeks, Greek islands have witnessed a cluster of unexplained deaths, raising concerns among authorities. This month alone, seven tourists have vanished or been found deceased, primarily individuals engaged in hiking activities.
The extreme heat conditions, with temperatures soaring to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in some regions, are believed to have contributed to some of these fatalities. However, the exact cause of Sheets' death remains undisclosed.
Death of Horse Trainer Toby Sheets on Greek Island Raises Questions
The island where Sheets was discovered, Mathraki, boasts a mere 100 inhabitants and is situated west of the more popular tourist destination of Corfu. Mathraki spans a compact 1.2 square miles.
"Today was a part of our stable for many years, including our Belmont Stakes win with Creator, as well as his expert handling of Haynesfield among others," Asmussen remarked, as relayed by Thoroughbred Daily News. "He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends."
Sheets was initially reported missing on Thursday, with his last confirmed sighting occurring on Tuesday at a café in the company of two female tourists. These tourists have since departed the island.
"He was found in the surf on the beach at a spot which had already been searched, so it seems he was washed out of the sea in the past 24 hours," explained Spyros Argyros, Deputy Mayor of Mathraki, in an interview with The New York Times.
The investigation into Sheets' death is ongoing, and his family and friends await further information to shed light on the circumstances that led to his untimely demise.
