Racing fraternity unites as fund set in honour of fallen jockey Desiree Gill

A FUND has been set up to honour fallen jockey Desiree Gill as race clubs nationwide prepare to pay their respects.

Racing clubs throughout Australia will pay tribute to Desiree Gill, pictured here with husband Barry, this weekend by dedicating

A FUND has been set up to honour the memory of fallen jockey Desiree Gill as race clubs around Australia prepare to pay their respects this weekend.

Racing Queensland in conjunction with the National Jockeys Trust has established the Desiree Gill Fund.

Gill died after a fall at the Sunshine Coast last Saturday night.

RQ chief executive Darren Condon said Desiree's family would decide in the next few weeks as to how the funds would be used.

"Racing is like a family and the industry is renowned for pulling together especially in times of grief," Condon said.

One proposal is for the fund to be ongoing, honouring the memory of Desiree, while at the same time helping victims of similar type tragedies in the future.

Racing Queensland has kickstarted the fund with the $20,000 in prizemoney from the two abandoned races last Saturday night being donated.

Mr Condon said Gill's funeral would be held on Monday at The Pavilion, Gympie Turf Club, at 10.30am. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

Jockeys wore black armbands at Eagle Farm yesterday and are expected to do the same again on Saturday.

Racing Minister Steve Dickson said race clubs around Australia would pay tribute to Desiree by dedicating races in her memory this weekend.

The Melbourne Racing Club has renamed the Listed Merson Cooper, the Desiree Gill Tribute Stakes.

The ATC had a race in Gill's honour yesterday and on Saturday, in addition to Caulfield, meetings in Darwin, Adelaide and Perth have done the same.

"Desiree was widely admired and loved for her passion for the racing industry and she will be sorely missed," Dickson said.

Dickson will attend the Roma Races this Saturday, where the Cup race has been renamed the XXXX Gold Desiree Gill Memorial Cup.

After winning the recent Gympie Cup on her husband Barry's horse Troilus Fuse, Gill had spoken about how much she was looking forward to being part of the Roma Cup weekend. Troilus Fuse is among nominations for the $50,000 race.

Other race meetings in Queensland on Saturday include Eagle Farm, Gold Coast, Julia Creek and Clermont. The race meeting at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday will also include a race in her honour.

Additionally, harness and greyhound clubs are doing the same this weekend.

Racing Queensland is continuing to offer ongoing support and counselling for all jockeys, trainers, staff and racegoers who have been affected by last Saturday night's tragedy.

A stewards investigation into the race is ongoing.

Donations can be made to the Desiree Gill Fund via direct debit using the below details:

Name: The Desiree Gill Fund

BSB: 084-004

Account Number: 39-452-7218