From Racing Post: Simone Montgomerie dies after tragic fall By Stuart Riley 10:09AM 5 AUG 2013 AUSTRALIAN jockey Simone Montgomerie has died as a result of injuries sustained during a fall at Fannie Bay racecourse on Monday. Montgomerie, 26, who was riding Riahgrand in the sixth race on Darwin Cup day, fell inside the final furlong when prominent. Reports suggest her saddle may have slipped. Her death was confirmed by the National Jockey's Trust less than half an hour later. The remaining three races on the card, including the $200,000 feature, were abandoned. In a statement released on their website, Darwin Turf Club chairman Brett Dixon said: "Simone fell and sustained traumatic injuries. She was transported from the racetrack to Royal Darwin Hospital with St John Ambulance. Attending to her were two doctors assisted by paramedics. "It is with great regret that we were advised by the family that Simone passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital. "Darwin Turf Club in conjunction with the TRNT stewards agreed it was best to adandon the meeting in order to begin an investigation into this tragic event. "There will be a full investigation, which has already been initiated by the stewards. The Darwin Turf Club along with the entire industry offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Ms Montgomerie." Montgomerie, whose father Peter trained 2005 Melbourne Cup runner-up On A Jeune, was a mother of two. She finishing fourth in the northern territory riders premiership last year. Kerrin McEvoy, who has known Montgomerie since doing pony club together as youngsters, tweeted: "It's a cruel game at times. Rest in peace Simone. Thoughts go out to the big Montgomerie family. Our pony club days I'll remember forever." RIP
Fellow riders are distraught over Simone Montgomerie's death, says the Australian Jockeys' Association. The 26-year-old, who was mother to a young girl, died after being thrown from her mount into the path of other horses at the Darwin Cup meeting. "Riders across Australia are clearly shocked and distraught by what has happened," says the AJA's Des O'Keeffe. "Simone was a really warm, vivacious young woman. It's a tragedy you couldn't possibly try to explain." NEVER HEARD OF HER BUT VERY SAD WHEN PEOPLE LOSE LIFE DOING WHAT WE LIKE FOR ENTERTAINMENT GOD BLESS HER
Carlisle holds the world's only lady riders race meeting and held a minute's silence in the parade ring before the first race last night - nice touch.
When we slate jockey performances we forget the risk they face every day! As Honest Frank tweeted "how many of us spend our working day being followed by an ambulance". Very very sad indeed.
