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Jockey loses fight for life after trackwork tumble

CANBERRA trackwork rider Riharna Thomson passed away on Friday morning from injuries sustained in a tragic accident on Tuesday morning.

The NSW and Canberra jockeys’ fraternity is mourning the loss of trackwork rider Riharna Thomson after she passed away this morning.
The NSW and Canberra jockeys’ fraternity is mourning the loss of trackwork rider Riharna Thomson after she passed away this morning.

CANBERRA trackwork rider Riharna Thomson passed away on Friday from injuries sustained in a tragic accident on Tuesday morning.

Ms Thomson, 22, sustained head injuries when her mount Chosen Prayer crashed to the turf during trackwork.

Ms Thomson was rushed to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery but sadly she lost her battle for life this morning.

Taken too young: Trackwork rider Riharna Thomson. Picture: Facebook
Taken too young: Trackwork rider Riharna Thomson. Picture: Facebook

A dedicated trackwork rider, Ms Thomson had just been promoted to the position of stable foreman for the training partnership of Keith Dryden and Scott Collings at Canberra.

She was described as a “young and enthusiastic horse lover who was well respected and loved among the local stable fraternity”.

“Our thoughts are with Riharna’s family and friends during this difficult time. Her family requests that their privacy be respected at this sad time,” said CRC’s chief executive, Peter Stubbs. “Everyone in the racing family at Thoroughbred Park is deeply affected by Riharna’s passing.”

Riharna Thomson. Picture: Facebook
Riharna Thomson. Picture: Facebook

Club employees and stable staff are receiving support and have been offered counselling services locally by Rev Steven Prior and with the assistance of Racing NSW Pastor, Rev Colin Watts, and through the Racing NSW Racing Mates Assistance Program.

A ceremony to honour the memory of Riharna will be held in the Mounting Yard at Thoroughbred Park at 1pm on Sunday before the first race on Black Opal Stakes Day. Arrangements for the funeral in Tamworth are yet to be announced.

Riharna Thomson, who lost her fight for life after suffering head injuries in fall on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook
Riharna Thomson, who lost her fight for life after suffering head injuries in fall on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/jockey-loses-fight-for-life-after-trackwork-tumble/news-story/7ea9bc10aa32900f200f6099ae0f4c40