Apprentice jockey dies in NZ race fall

Apprentice Kiwi jockey Megan Taylor has has died following a fall during a race at Ashburton on Thursday.

The 26-year-old was riding four-year-old mare Red Orchid when there was a four-horse fall as they entered the straight.

Taylor was pronounced dead soon after with remaining races of the Ashburton meeting abandoned.

The injury status of a number of other jockeys and horses involved in the fall is yet to be confirmed.

Updates to follow

It is with a very heavy heart I report that South Island apprentice jockey Megan Taylor has died after a fall in race 2 at Ashburton today. Two other jockeys involved in same fall. Heartbreaking for the racing industry and our thoughts with Megan’s family and friends

— Michael Guerin (@GuerinSports) December 15, 2022

I’m incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of jockey Megan Taylor during a race this afternoon. I want to pass on my deepest sympathies to Megan’s family and friends, and to all of those in the industry who worked alongside her and knew her.

— Kieran McAnulty MP (@Kieran_McAnulty) December 15, 2022