The racing community on Friday is mourning the death of recently married apprentice jockey Mikaela Claridge who died after a fall during track work at Cranbourne.
Mikaela Claridge, 22, lost her life from injuries sustained when she fell from her horse at Cranbourne on Friday morning.
“Mikaela was dislodged from her horse while riding on the sand trails on the southern side of the Training Centre at approximately 4.35am. She was attended to by the on-course paramedic but was tragically unable to be saved,” Racing Victoria said in a statement.
After injury interrupted her career, Claridge returned to riding in 2018 and won her first race in September last year.
She was indentured to trainer Ken Keys at Cranbourne and won another 28 races, most recently at Sale on July 11.
“On behalf of the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Mikaela’s family and friends on the tragic news of her passing as a result of a training accident this morning,” RV chief executive Giles Thompson said.
“Mikaela was a talented young rider who was pursuing a career in the sport she loved. She was a much loved and valuable member of the racing community and her sad passing is being felt by many within our industry today.”
Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said the local racing community is saddened by her death.
“On behalf of the Club, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Mikaela’s family and friends on her tragic passing. She was a popular member of the Cranbourne racing community and will be sadly missed.”
WorkSafe is investigating Friday’s incident.
