Jockey Samara Johnson dead, trainer Garry Kirkup fighting for life after crash in Eurongilly
TRAINER Garry Kirkup remains in an induced coma after a fiery crash that claimed the life of his partner, trackwork rider Samara Johnson.
NSW
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TRAINER Garry Kirkup remains in an induced coma in Canberra Hospital after a horror crash that claimed the life of his partner, trackwork rider Samara Johnson.
The NSW racing industry is in mourning after Ms Johnson, 25, died at the scene of the accident near Junee on Sunday afternoon.
NSW Police confirmed that the single vehicle crash happened on Gundagai Road at Eurongilly, 21km southeast of Junee. The car left the road and smashed head-on into a tree before bursting into flames.
Mr Kirkup was flown to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition. He underwent surgery for severe abdominal injuries.
Mr Kirkup’s son, Ben, told Racing NSW that his father remains in an induced coma after the surgery.
Doctors underwent further CAT scans on Mr Kirkup’s spine and brain which have been cleared of injury.
Ms Johnson’s death is another tragic blow for the Canberra racing community, following the passing of track rider Riharna Thomson, also a close friend of Johnson’s, earlier in the year.
“This is just terrible news, it is another kick in the guts for Canberra racing,’’ said leading trainer Barbara Joseph.
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“Samara was very much liked around the track, everyone liked her. She was such a very nice girl — it is so sad.’’
Racing NSW chief steward Marc Van Gestel said Ms Johnson was a “popular and accomplished young rider’’.
“This is a tragic set of circumstances and our thoughts and prayers go out to Samara’s family and friends,’’ Mr Van Gestel said.
Ms Joseph has been close friends to the Kirkup family for years and is hopeful the trainer will make a full recovery.
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“Garry is a wonderful horseman and still does a lot of his own track riding,’’ Ms Joseph said. “Everyone is praying he gets through this.’’
Mr Kirkup, described by Mr Van Gestel as a “true gentleman”, is one of NSW’s most respected country trainers and has prepared many good gallopers including top bush sprinter Highly Geared, winner of nine races and more than $300,000 prizemoney.
“All the dealings I have had as a steward with Garry, he is always very polite and courteous, nothing is ever a problem for him,’’ Mr Van Gestel said.
“He is a very good horseman, he always has a handy horse in his stable, and we are all hoping he can pull through this very difficult time.’’
Chief executive of Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park Peter Stubbs said the racing community was stunned by Ms Johnson’s death and is rallying in support of Mr Kirkup.
“She was very successful at picnic race meets in the region. She was also a terrific track rider here at Thoroughbred Park,” Mr Stubbs said.
“It’s very tragic for their families and everyone close to them in the racing industry. Garry has a lot of contacts and friends in the industry and they’ve rallied around him.”