JOCKEY Megan Taylor has tragically died aged 26 after being caught in a devastating four-horse fall.
Reports say the apprentice rider had fallen off her mount when another horse struck her as she lay on the track.
Racing is in mourning following the tragic death of jockey Taylor aged just 26
She was reported to have been struck by another horse as she lay on the ground after falling off her mount
The jockey had been riding Red Orchid in a race at Ashburton racecourse in New Zealand on Thursday.
She was pronounced dead ‘soon after’ according to the New Zealand Herald and other riders were informed of the heartbreaking news.
The rest of the meeting was abandoned as tributes started to pour in.
One of Taylor’s friends, Alex Coleman, said: “I’m not sure anyone is going to be able to find the words to describe how tragic the loss of Megan is.
“She was such a beautiful soul that was loved by so many and the shock of her being taken so tragically and so young is completely numbing.
“From riding at Belfast pony club to talking each other through moving across the world. She was a special one.
“She was so good at bringing an energy to whatever room she walked into and her fun-loving spirit will be sorely missed.”
While the country’s racing minister Kieran McAnulty said: “I’m incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of jockey Megan Taylor during a race this afternoon.
“I want to pass on my deepest sympathies to Megan’s family and friends, and to all of those in the industry who worked alongside her and knew her.”
A spokesperson for the local ambulance service said: “Our Event Health Services team were already present at the racecourse for the event.
“We further responded to the incident with two ambulances and one operations manager.
“One patient was taken to Ashburton Hospital with moderate injuries.
“Two other patients with minor injuries were assessed and treated at the scene.”
More to follow.
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/jockey-danny-brock-accused-of-purposely-stopping-horses-in-extraordinary-betting-and-corruption-scandal/
