Horse racing rocked by tragic death of young jockey
The death of a 22-year-old jockey and her horse has sent shockwaves through the racing community.
Natasha Galpin suffered fatal injuries in a fall during a gallops workout in Scotland, sparked when the horse she was riding suffered a ruptured artery.
Galpin was a member of the stable of prominent trainer Iain Jardine.
“Sadly, our horse suffered gutteral pouch mycosis (a ruptured artery) during work, resulting in the unavoidable and unpredictable accident,” the stable announced.
“He was given all the necessary care and treatment required, and the owners were immediately informed.
“Our main priority throughout has been Natasha and the rest of our staff, who are distraught at the loss of a colleague and friend but have been extremely supportive of each other.
“As a team here, we are doing our best to get through and cope with this devastating situation.
“Natasha was an experienced and valued, full-time member of Team IJR. She was an accomplished event rider and ran her own livery yard. She worked alongside her boyfriend, Olyn.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Natasha’s parents and sisters at this very sad time, and we hope you will join us in respecting their privacy.
“We are grateful for the help we are receiving from racing’s support network, including Racing Welfare and the National Trainers Federation.”
British Horseracing Authority chief executive Nick Rust said in a statement: “I know I speak for everyone at the BHA when I say we are truly shocked and devastated about this tragic news.
“While such incidents are extremely rare, there is an element of risk every time a rider sits on any horse and as such we should never take for granted the bravery and commitment of our workforce.
“Our sport relies on their dedication in providing first class care for our horses, and we are grateful to them all.
“Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Natasha Galpin and the yard of Iain Jardine. We will work with the authorities and provide support to the yard at this difficult time.”
Jardine work-rider Natasha Galpin suffers fatal injuries in gallops accident https://t.co/50SMGRo9ay pic.twitter.com/JBAVCm7rBV
— Racing Post (@RacingPost) January 16, 2019
We are so shocked and sorry to hear the awful news about Natasha Galpin, work rider for @jardineracing.
Our deepest condolences and thoughts go to her family, friends and all the team at the yard.— Scottish Racing (@ScottishRacing) January 16, 2019
What to say? Thoughts go out to the team @jardineracing after Natasha Galpin, 22, died following fall from a horse that was fatally injured when suffering a ruptured artery
I'm sure the racing community will rally round the yard, her family, boyfriend, colleagues & friends x
— Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) January 16, 2019
Really really sad news out of Iain Jardine's yard. Highlights to the non-riders amongst us the risks jockeys, grooms and work-riders take every single day.
RIP Natasha Galpin.
It's impossible to know what else to say.
— Dan (@bozi1988) January 16, 2019
The thoughts of everyone at Philip Kirby Racing go to all who knew Natasha Galpin, her family and all @jardineracing. The racing community stands with you. #RIP
— Philip Kirby Racing (@PKirbyRacing) January 16, 2019
So very sad, so very sorry. All thoughts and best wishes to Natasha Galpin's family and friends. RIP young lady.
— MissMabel (@LydiaGi90474661) January 16, 2019
absolutely devastating news. Us fans of the great sport often forget the risks taken by riders and backroom staff. RIP Natasha Galpin, thoughts to all her family, friends and colleagues at @jardineracing https://t.co/KDhNpO3Vft
— Martin Kelly (@disableddaddy) January 16, 2019
So very sorry to hear of the tragic accident which took the life of Natasha Galpin. Thoughts and prayers are with her family & friends & all at Iain Jardine’s yard at this desperately sad time. RIP
— Anthea Morshead (@AntheaMorshead) January 16, 2019
Deeply saddened to hear the news about the passing of Natasha Galpin. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the @jardineracing team.
— Grech & Parkin (@GrechParkin) January 16, 2019
Everyone at @IJF_official offers their thoughts and condolences to Natasha Galpin's family, friends and the team @jardineracing following this tragic accident. https://t.co/9NL8jwjq79
— Injured Jockeys Fund (@IJF_official) January 16, 2019