A New Zealand jockey and mother of three has been killed in a fall at Gore racecourse.
Riveton-based Rebecca Black died after her mount, Point Proven, fell on Sunday (18 December).
Point Proven and another horse, Misscattlecreek, fell near the 700m mark in race eight at the Tapanui Racing Club meeting.
Misscattlecreek’s jockey Terry Moseley reportedly escaped without serious injury.
Police confirmed a jockey’s death shortly after 4pm and the remainder of the meeting was abandoned.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) chief executive Greg Purcell said Rebecca’s death would be felt by the racing community throughout New Zealand.
“All our thoughts are with Rebecca’s family and friends at this dreadful time,” he said.
Rebecca rode her first winner in the 1993-94 season and has had more than 100 wins since then.
The 40-year-old is the second jockey to be fatally injured in a racing fall in New Zealand in the past 10 years.
Ashlee Mundy died following a fall at Kurow in December 2012.
Tributes to Rebecca
Thousands of tributes for Rebecca have flooded social media.
“Soul destroying news — our hearts hurt for her family and friends. Every day dangerous for our brave riders,” wrote Te Aku Racing.
New Zealand Jockeys’ Association president Dave Taylor said that he and Black’s colleagues were “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.
Counselling has been made available to Rebecca’s colleagues and friends.
Rebecca’s funeral will be held at the Gore racecourse at 1pm on Friday (23 December).
NZTR is collecting funds on behalf of Gallop South who are in the process of setting up a trust for Rebecca’s children.
This account will be audited and receipts for donations can be provided if requested.
The Racing Integrity Unit has opened an inquiry into the incident and police, who were in attendance, are also preparing a report.
The condition of the two horses involved is unknown at this stage.
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