Trainer Danny O’Brien’s company acquitted over jockey death
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O’Brien says “it’s been a long road” after the devastating death of a much-loved track rider three years ago, which led to his company facing workplace charges.
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The company of Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Danny O’Brien has been acquitted of allegedly providing an unsafe workplace.
The charge stemmed from the tragic death of stable rider Takamasa Takeda, when the horse he was riding was hit by a car while crossing 13th Beach Road on March 9, 2020.
O’Brien, who pleaded not guilty, gave evidence during the three-week trial before the County Court in Geelong.
He told the court Takamasa was an “extremely competent” track rider and that he had “admired him for coming halfway around the world to a country where he did not speak the language to widen has experiences and further his career”.
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“It’s been a long road. I, like all in the stable, was devastated by Taka’s death,” O’Brien said.
“Being charged was beyond my control, but I have always maintained that our systems of work were completely safe.
“I can only express my relief and thanks for the verdict, this of course does nothing to bring Taka back or repair the hole in his parents’ hearts.”
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O’Brien and other witnesses, past and present stable employees, gave evidence as to how liked and respected Takamasa was.
The witnesses told of the devastating effect his death had on the entire stable.
The court heard the driver of the car was speeding and a toxicology report, from a blood sample taken shortly after the collision, revealed the motorist had levels of cannabis that may have affected her driving.
The court heard the driver approached the crossing in excess of the speed limit.
Originally published as Trainer Danny O’Brien’s company acquitted over jockey death
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