The racing community is mourning the loss of trackwork rider Donna Philpot following a fall at Bendigo racecourse this morning.

Read Racing Victoria’s media release on the tragic incident:

It is with great sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) and the Bendigo Jockey Club (BJC) confirm the passing of registered stable employee and trackwork rider Donna Philpot as a result of injuries sustained in a trackwork accident at Bendigo Racecourse this morning.

Philpot, who fell during the conduct of a jump-out, was attended to by paramedics on-course but was tragically unable to be saved. The horse that she was riding was euthanised by a veterinarian as a result of the injuries it sustained.

WorkSafe, with the cooperation of the BJC, are investigating the circumstances of the accident in which Philpot’s horse fell.

Philpot was a former long-time Queensland jockey who counts the Cairns Amateurs Cup among her winning achievements in the saddle.

She moved to Bendigo in 2014 with her husband, licensed trainer Gus Philpot, and their daughters Jessie and Montana, so that Jessie could participate in the RV Apprentice Jockey Training Program (AJTP) where she is currently in Year 4 and on loan interstate.

As a registered stable employee, Mrs Philpot rode trackwork for her husband and other Bendigo-based trainers since moving to Victoria.

RV Chief Executive, Giles Thompson, said: “On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to Donna’s family and friends on the news of her passing as a result of a tragic accident at trackwork this morning.

“Donna devoted much of her life to thoroughbred racing and was a loved and valued member of the racing community. Her sad passing will be felt by many within the industry.”

BJC Chief Executive, Aaron Hearps, said: “This was a tragic accident and one that has deeply saddened all at the Bendigo Jockey Club and our local racing community.

“WorkSafe have commenced an investigation into the incident and the Club will afford them every support in doing so.

“On behalf of the Club, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Gus, Jessie, Montana and to their wider family and friends on the tragic passing of Donna. She was a much-loved member of the Bendigo racing community and will be sadly missed.”

The BJC and RV are working together to support the family, local racing community and industry employees with counselling at this sad time.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au