Tributes flow after Vic racecourse death
A former jockey and track rider who fell off a horse and died in regional Victoria had “devoted her life to thoroughbred racing”.
Donna Philpot, aged in her 40s, died at Bendigo Racecourse on Tuesday morning, despite the efforts of paramedics to save her.
Racing Victoria confirmed her identity on Monday night and said she died after the horse she was riding fell during a jump-out.
The horse was euthanised by a veterinarian due to its injuries.
Philpot was a former long-time Queensland jockey who counts the Cairns Amateurs Cup among her winning achievements in the saddle, RV said.
She moved to Bendigo in 2014 with her husband, licensed trainer Gus Philpot, and their daughters Jessie and Montana.
Ms Philpot had been working at the Bendigo track as registered stable employee and trackwork rider.
Racing Victoria paid tribute to Ms Philpot and said WorkSafe, with the cooperation of the Bendigo Jockey Club, were investigating the circumstances around why her horse fell.
“Donna devoted much of her life to thoroughbred racing and was a loved and valued member of the racing community,” Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson said in a statement.
“Her sad passing will be felt by many within the industry,”
RV said is was offering assistance to the family and the local racing community “at this sad time”.
Friends paid tribute on social media.
“She was an inspiration to all who knew her,” Bron Donat wrote on Facebook.
“If ever you needed a hand or a plate of chicken wings, you could rely on Donna. She was like the Eveready Rabbit, always on the go and never stopping.”
Rhonda Hall wrote: “We will always treasure those times training our horses and the great times we had when they won.”