Queensland jockey Desiree Gill has died from injuries she received in a fall at the Sunshine Coast.
Gill was taken to Nambour Hospital on Saturday night in a critical condition and died on Sunday morning.
The 45-year-old was an experienced rider who had spent 30 years in the industry.
“Desiree was widely admired and loved for her passion for the racing industry and in particular, her commitment to developing the next generation of jockeys,” a Racing Queensland statement said.
“Desiree enjoyed a distinguished riding career spanning 30 years which included a period of employment with Racing Queensland mentoring and educating apprentice jockeys.”Melbourne Cup Melbourne Cup
Gill had won the South-East Queensland Country premiership for the past two years and rode four winners at Bundaberg on Melbourne Cup day.
“I know everyone in the racing fraternity is saddened by this tragic loss and we pass on our deepest sympathies to Desiree’s husband Barry and the Gill family,” Racing Queensland’s chief executive Darren Condon said.
An inquiry into the fall has been adjourned by stewards.
Gill’s death comes just a few months after Darwin’s leading rider Simone Montgomerie died following a fall at the annual Cup meeting in August.
