JOCKEY Chris Caserta is presumed dead after being dragged out to sea by swirling currents during a late-night swim with a friend.
A massive air and sea search operation involving water police, lifeguards and surf lifesavers has been underway for the 26-year-old Australian rider.
But police have now confirmed his ‘timeframe for survival has passed’ and that they have informed Caserta’s family they are looking for his body.
Senior sergeant Jay Notaro, of Gold Coast water police, said: “We’re searching for Chris’ body as the timeframe for survival has passed.
“It is an absolute tragedy at any time but particularly just before Christmas.
“We’ll continue the search and our goal is to return Chris to his family.”
The extensive search operation was hampered by winds, a choppy swell and murky water following heavy rain.
Passersby reportedly heard screaming as Caserta and apprentice rider Amy Graham got caught up in rip currents at Surfers Paradise at around 10pm local time.
Graham – who was reportedly ‘distressed’ and had swallowed a lot of sea water – managed to get to shore.
But those on the scene were unable to help Caserta, a hugely popular rider with 154 victories and more than £2.7million in winnings on the track.
Graham, 25, said she did her best to save her friend in those desperate final moments but they both just kept getting ‘dunked over and over and over again’ by waves.
In a text message reported by punters.com.au, Graham said: “I thought I was going to die, I tried my best to save him, keep him calm and breathe without struggling myself.
“But we just kept getting dunked over and over and over again. It happened so fast, we just got dragged out.
“We didn’t even go that far but the ocean took us out. I didn’t even want to go in but I couldn’t let him go in alone.”
Graham’s boss John Zielke told the Gold Coast Bulletin: “He had dinner and two drinks and he wanted to go for a swim.
“Amy is doing it pretty tough at the moment.”
Gold Coast Turf Club officials said: “Caserta was at Surfers Paradise beach last night and went for a swim at 10pm with a trackwork rider, they pulled her out and they can’t find him.
“The female track rider with him was rescued and was taken to hospital.”
Racing Queensland chief executive Brendan Parnell said: “Our thoughts are with Chris, and his family at this time.”
More to follow.
