Apprentice jockey Caitlin Forrest has died after a fall at Murray Bridge racecourse near Adelaide.
The 19-year-old suffered horrific injuries when her mount Colla Voce fell, bringing down three other horses, and she was flung to the ground ahead of the trailing pack on Wednesday.
She was reportedly semi-conscious and responsive when airlifted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital but later died from her injuries.
Also injured in the crash was Libby Hopwood, who was taken to Murray Bridge Hospital for observation.
Forrest’s boyfriend, fellow jockey Scott Westover, said on Facebook: “Today has been the worst day of my life.
“I know there will be an angel up there watching me everyday and riding with me. Love you and I’ll never forget you.”
The news came in the same week another Australian jockey, Queensland-based Carly-Mae Pye, lost her life in a barrier trial at Callaghan Park.
Caitlin had been riding since mid-2013 and was a member of Thoroughbred Racing SA’s Apprentice Jockey Academy.
She had ridden 51 winners (7 metro, 20 provincial, 24 country).
She had been recognised at the recent Thoroughbred Racing SA (TRSA) industry awards as the South Australian Provincial and Country Apprentice Jockey of the Year for the 2013/14 season.
TRSA chief executive Jim Watters said the loss was felt across the industry.
“Like the rest of the South Australian racing family, we are devastated and shocked at the tragic loss of Caitlin Forrest who passed away in hospital in the early hours of this morning following yesterday’s fall at Murray Bridge.
“Caitlin received the very best medical attention both at the track and at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and – on behalf of her family – our thanks go to all the medical professionals who did so much for Caitlin.
“Our thoughts are very much with the family at this stage and we are doing everything we can to support them through this incredibly difficult time.”
TRSA Chair Frances Nelson also commented on the tragic news.
“The South Australian racing family has lost someone very special ; a young woman who had already achieved much and yet was still at the start of her career.
“She was an incredibly bright, vibrant and hard-working young woman who was committed to her career and loved the racing industry. I know I speak for the entire racing industry when I say that she was very much loved in return.”
Sydney jockey Glyn Schofield questioned safety in the racing industry this morning, via the social media platform Twitter.
“Our industry needs to give some answers on how to address the alarming number of tragic incidents in racing. This shouldn’t ever happen,” he Tweeted.
Australian Racing Board chief executive Peter McGauran says authorities will continue to research improved safety equipment following this week’s deaths.
McGauran says safety is paramount and major advances have been made in recent years.
“Tracks have never been safer with plastic running rails and better cambers but we still have catastrophic injuries and losses of life,” McGauran told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio.
“Safety equipment is better than it has ever been but with 500 to 600 kilogram horses going that fast, the jockeys are always at risk.
“We have developed a new standard for helmets, a world best, but we don’t yet have a manufacturer who can meet that standard.
“We are in discussions with one who can meet it in prototype and we need to see whether we can invest in the process.”
A 17-year-old American apprentice, Juan Saez, also lost his life in a race fall in the United States on Wednesday.
