On Tuesday afternoon the Australian racing community lost talented jockey in Carly-Mae Pye, who passed away after suffering fatal injuries during trackwork at Rockhampton on Monday.
The news was confirmed by Racing Queensland chief executive Darren Condon, who paid tribute to Carly-Mae.
“It is an incredibly sad time for everyone in racing to lose someone like Carly who was a salt of the earth racing person,” Condon said.
“Carly-Mae was a true champion of our sport who will be remembered as a brilliant horsewoman.”
Carly-Mae was a champion equestrian rider who had rode 198 winners mainly riding at Rockhampton, Mackay and Gladstone, but had ridden three winners in Brisbane.
She sustained her injuries after landing head-first on the track before the horse she was riding fell on top of her after breaking down, in a horror accident strikingly similar to that of Simone Montgomerie in Darwin last year.
Her passing sparked tributes from all over the racing industry, predominantly from fellow Queensland jockeys, including Chris Munce.
If there is any positive to this story it’s that Carly-Mae will save the lives of seven people through organ donation, however the loss reminds us all of the dangers of racing.
I would never have the guts to jump on a horse, which is why I have such a high respect for jockeys, who risk their lives every time they ride so that I can enjoy a sport that I love.
A punter in my TAB yesterday noted the strength that a jockey must have.
“You can see it when they’re in the yard the focus they have to control these large animals,” he said.
“Sometimes we forget how dangerous racing can be, and as punters we take jockeys for granted.”
In times like these we are also reminded of the incredible work that the National Jockeys Trust does behind the scenes. The Trust will help with the financial difficulties that Carly-Mae’s family will face, and also support for her colleagues who have lost a friend.
I would remind everyone that without donations these organisations cease to exist.
My condolences and respects go out to Carly-Mae’s family in this incredibly difficult time.
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