Desiree Gill fall an accident: inquiry

Thursday 28 November 2013, 2:47pm

Stewards have found a Sunshine Coast race fall that resulted in the death of jockey Desiree Gill was an accident.

Gill died from head injuries when her mount Celtic Ambition clipped the heels of Stalwart Rowa and fell near the 1200-metre mark at the Sunshine Coast night meeting on November 9.

Stewards took preliminary evidence on the night from jockeys Tegan Harrison, Priscilla Schmidt, Tiffani Brooker and Andrew Spinks before continuing the inquiry on Thursday.

Further evidence was taken from the riders as well as Celtic Ambition's trainer Nichole Boyd and Racing Queensland chief vet Dr Martin Lenz before stewards.

Martin Knibbs, chief steward for the meeting, said when the pace slackened in the middle stages of the race Gill attempted to restrain Celtic Ambition but the gelding fell after clipping the heels of Stalwart Roma.

Addressing the riders, Knibbs said no jockey had breached the rules.

"The stewards are satisfied that no rider that rode at Caloundra that night rode in a careless, reckless or incompetent manner," he said.

"I'd like you all to go away satisfied of that. The fall is nothing more than a tragic accident for horse and rider.

"I suppose it's timely that incidents such as these are a reminder that each and every time jockeys go out on the track they face these potential consequences.

"We can never stop reiterating to the people that come to the races and those that participate how important safety to horses and, more importantly, riders are each time they compete."

Gill's husband, Barry, didn't attend the inquiry but stewards will advise him of their findings and provide him with a transcript of the evidence.

The racing industry has rallied to support Gill's family with a fund set up to provide financial assistance.

Gill's funeral was held in Gympie last week and was attended by the country's leading jockeys and trainers.

– AAP

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