Cochrane sues pilot's wife over crash

Ray Cochrane and Frankie Dettori survived the crash

Derby-winning jockey, Ray Cochrane, the man who saved Frankie Dettori's life in a plane crash two years ago, is suing the wife of the dead pilot.

The crash ended Mr Cochrane's successful riding career and he is suing for £500,000 loss of earnings.

Mr Cochrane was awarded the Queen's commendation for bravery for dragging Mr Dettori from the burning wreckage - he was unable to save pilot Patrick Mackey despite going back because of the intense heat of the fire.

Mr Cochrane is suing Mr Mackey's wife, Jill, and Sheik Mohammed's Godolphin management company which owned the plane.

Ray Cochrane became Mr Dettori's agent in 2000

The American-built twin-propeller Piper Senecam took off from Newmarket racecourse in Suffolk in June 2000, carrying the two jockeys.

Shortly after take-off the plane veered to the right, and crashed and burst into flames.

The jockeys escaped through a rear baggage hatch.

They tried to reach the cockpit where Mr Mackey was, but were forced back by the intense heat.

In November 2000, only a week after announcing his retirement, Mr Cochrane was appointed as the agent for his close friend and fellow plane crash victim Mr Dettori.