Australian Racing Board chief executive Peter McGauran says authorities will continue to research improved safety equipment following the deaths of two jockeys this week.
Queensland rider Carly-Mae Pye died on Tuesday from injuries she suffered in a trackwork fall a day earlier.
South Australian apprentice Caitlin Forrest died in hospital after a four-horse fall at Murray Bridge on Wednesday.
McGauran says safety is paramount and major advances have been made in recent years.
“Tracks have never been safer with plastic running rails and better cambers but we still have catastrophic injuries and losses of life,” McGauran told Sydney’s Sky Sports Radio.
“Safety equipment is better than it has ever been but with 500 to 600 kilogram horses going that fast, the jockeys are always at risk.
“We have developed a new standard for helmets, a world best, but we don’t yet have a manufacturer who can meet that standard.
“We are in discussions with one who can meet it in prototype and we need to see whether we can invest in the process.”
A 17-year-old American apprentice, Juan Saez, also lost his life in a race fall in the United States on Wednesday.
