ROYAL ASCOT jockeys are today set to wear yellow armbands in honour of Tiggy Hancock, the 15-year-old who died in a tragic horse ride accident.
Hancock, a talented pony event rider, suffered serious injuries at a training session and later died at Crumlin Children’s Hospital in Dublin last Wednesday.
Our deepest condolences to the family of Tiggy Hancock
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The teenager was seen as a future star of the sport and Horse Sport Ireland said her loss was ‘hard to comprehend’.
A statement added: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young rider who was a much-loved member of the equestrian community.
Clondakin councillor Peter Kavanagh said the death was an ‘unspeakable tragedy’.
He added: “When a trgaedy like this strikes, as a community we all feel it.”
A police statement on the incident said: “Dublin Fire Brigade and the National Ambulance Service were in attendance and providing medical assistance to a young female (15 years) who was injured during an exercise event.
“She was removed to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin where she later passed away.”
Tiggy’s funeral is due to take place on Monday.
As a mark of respect, Eventing Ireland has called off dressage tests due to take place in Co Tipperary this weekend.
The organisation also asked that participants wear yellow, Tiggy’s favourite colour, to upcoming events.
Royal Ascot-winning jockey Oisin Murphy has been encouraging his fellow riders to wear yellow in honour of Tiggy.
More to follow.
