Simone Montgomerie killed in race fall

Perth Turf Talk | Australian Racing | Tue 6 August, 2013

THE RACING community is in shock after jockey Simone Montgomerie died after being thrown from her mount during a race at the Darwin Cup Carnival.

Montgomerie, 26, was riding Riahgrand in Race 6 at Fannie Bay today, when 100m from home and leading, her horse shied and threw her to the ground.

Paramedics treated her on the track before she was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital but died shortly after arrival.

Darwin Turf Club chairman Brett Dixon confirmed Simone's death.

"As far as we are concerned, Simone was our family and we are all devastated by this accident," he said.

Darwin Turf Club immediately announced the remaining races, including the Darwin Cup, were abandoned.

"Simone started here with us (in Adelaide)," a shocked head of the SA Apprentice Academy Bill Forrestal said. "To hear that this has happened to such a delightful young lady just makes me sad.
"Her father Peter is such a nice guy, you work so closely with these kids just not right".

National Jockeys' Asscociation general manager Des O'Keeffe says the organisation will support Ms Montgomerie's family.

"On behalf of the 850 riders in Australia our condolences go out to Simone's family and we will provide as much support as we can to them," Mr O'Keeffe said.

"We also have support for any jockeys who need it. We have counselling services they can ring.

"It is unbelievable that this has happened just two days after National Jockeys Celebration day around the country.

"I have had many jockeys ring me and they are absolutely shattered."

National Jockeys Celebration day was held on Saturday by the National Jockeys Trust which provides support for families of killed and injured jockeys.

Chief Steward Lindsay Lane addressed media shortly after the accident to announce the abandonment of the rest of the meeting.

"The stewards are somewhat concerned given the close nature of the riding community here in Darwin about the effect that it may have on the other riders so we've spoken to the riders and some of them are quite concerned and quite upset so we've taken the view that the number one priority is safety and wellbeing of the riding group and we've elected to abandon the meeting.

"I'm sure that the riders can ride at their best but whether they can ride safely with the fall on their mind, the stewards aren't totally convinced. The common sense thing to do is to call the meeting off.

"It's unfortunate for the public that they won't be able to see the running of the 2013 Darwin Cup today but safety going forward is our number one concern and hence we've taken the decision that we have."

Simone Montgomerie is the daughter of Peter Montgomerie, who trained 2005 Melbourne Cup runner-up On A Jeune.

"My parents are up here and I asked Michael if anyone here would be interested in having an apprentice - he said that he would be," Montgomerie told the NT News in 2010.

"I moved here in November and started race riding at the end of January, with the 55kg minimum riding weight it is a lot easier to ride up here."

Simone started her riding career in South Australia before moving to Darwin in November 2009; lat year Montgomerie rode 27 winners for the 2012-13 season to be crowned the Top End's premier hoop, becoming the first female to ever achieve the feat.

Chief Minister Adam Giles, Racing Minster Matt Conlan and the Northern Territory Government released a joint statement extending their condolences to the friends and family of Simone.

"This is a sad day for the Australian racing industry. On behalf of spectators at Fannie Bay Racecourse today and all Territorians we would like to express our sadness at today's tragic accident.

"Out of respect for Simone, the jockeys and race officials decided to call off the remainder of the meeting. Simone was a champion jockey at the top of her game and pioneer of women in racing who will be sorely missed."

The tragedy comes six years after former champion Adelaide apprentice Scott Leckey suffered brain and neck injuries in a fall on Metric Mile Day at Darwin's Fannie Bay in 2007.

THE NT News extends its condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of Simone Montgomerie. 

NT News

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