CHARGES have been brought against a trainer and a racecourse following the tragic death of 22-year-old jockey Mikaela Claridge.
The recently-married apprentice rider tragically passed away after a fall in August 2019 when her horse reportedly ‘got spooked’.
Claridge had reportedly been riding with a friend at Cranbourne Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia, when she fell.
She was, according to reports, completing trackwork on the sand trails just behind the main training track shortly after 4.30am.
Trainer Ken Keys told the Herald Sun that Claridge’s horse and her friend’s mount both became spooked.
He said: “Something took their eye and they put the brakes on, it basically should have been a simple fall.
“They weren’t in a canter at that stage and something [spooked] the horses.
“Both horses shied at the same thing, whatever that thing was, it could’ve been anything, you wouldn’t know.”
Now WorkSafe, a health and safety regulator set up by law in Victoria, has laid eight charges in all over Claridge’s death.
Six of those are against Cranbourne Turf Club for allegedly failing to maintain the sand trails and ensure they were safe to use.
And the body will also allege the horse trainer, Saloon Park Pty Ltd, owned by Keys, failed to ensure its employees did not ride the sand trails track in the dark, a statement on WorkSafe’s official website said.
A Racing Victoria spokesman said: “We note the charges issued by WorkSafe against the Cranbourne Turf Club and Saloon Park Pty Ltd.
“As the matter is now before the courts, it would be inappropriate for Racing Victoria to comment on these charges.
“Mikaela was a popular young rider who is greatly missed by many within the industry. Our thoughts remain with her family and friends.”
Cranbourne Turf Club said in a statement at the time of Claridge’s death that they would assist with the investigation.
The club’s chief executive Neil Bainbridge said: “WorkSafe have commenced an investigation into the incident and the club will afford them every support in doing so.”
Neither Keys or Bainbridge have commented on the charges.
The case is set to begin with a filing hearing at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 17.
Family and friends paid tribute to ‘beautiful’ Claridge – who had been married just four months at the time of her death – on social media.
One comment read: “Words aren’t enough to describe how we all felt this morning, such a freak accident.
“You were taken too soon beautiful girl, with a gorgeous smile.”
Another said: “Rest in peace you beautiful soul. The laughs, the conversations & most of all the smiles we had. You will be sadly missed.”
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/matt-chapmans-monday-yeeehaaa-mourn-the-loss-of-lami-serge-and-the-conditional-but-racing-is-a-sport-to-be-proud-of
