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New Zealand jockey Rebecca Black has passed away after suffering fatal injuries from a fall during a race meet in Gore on Sunday.
The mother of three was an experienced rider and was aboard the Greg Wright-trained Point Proven, taking on race eight at the Tapanui Racing Club.
About 700 metres in the horse stumbled and fell, taking out another runner in the process, Misscattlecreek.
Black was dislodged from the saddle on the way down and it’s believed that Misscattlecreek landed on her as the two horses collided on their way to the ground.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 4pm local time but Black was unable to be revived.
Jockey of Misscattlecreek, Terry Moseley, escaped without serious injury but his horse was euthanised after the incident.
Tragically, two of Black’s three children were trackside on the day and witnessed the shocking and unfortunate incident, but the New Zealand and racing community as a whole have swarmed around the family in support.
“All our thoughts are with Rebecca’s family and friends at this dreadful time,” said Chief executive of the New Zealand Racing Board Greg Purcell.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of jockey Rebecca Black at the Gore races today. Our sympathies are with her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/ygIbG7tfb4
— TAB Racing (@TAB_Racing) December 18, 2016
Soul destroying news the loss of Rebecca Black-our hearts hurt for her family & friends,awful news. Every day dangerous for our brave riders
— Te Akau Racing (@TeAkauRacing) December 18, 2016
My❤goes out 2 #RebeccaBlack family,havin lost a brother the same way the only comfort is they were doing Wat they Loved
Courageous Girl RIP pic.twitter.com/6Tq208BCrM— ⚽ Donna Fielding ⚽ (@cdonfielding) December 18, 2016
These are racing's worst days. I hate when somebody goes to work to do the job they love and can never come home again ?
— Michael Guerin (@GuerinSports) December 18, 2016
Purcell also announced a full investigation into the incident but encouraged patience and time for the jockeys and people involved to deal with the incredibly saddening events.
“We’ve got to complete our investigations and then provide a report,” said Purcell.
“We’ve got to interview the jockeys involved in the race and the time that takes will depend on how they are feeling.”
Understandably, the rest of the Christmas meeting was called off after the incident.
Black was a champion rider in New Zealand, riding home atop of 108 winners across her career and leading the way for female jockeys in the Southern Hemisphere.
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