Heartbroken trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young lead tributes for beloved team member Peta Tait after stable tragedy

Peta Tait has been remembered as a “much-loved” and “popular” member of the Victorian racing industry after the stablehand died in a tragic stable accident at Cranbourne.

The late Peta Tait was a popular and much-loved member of the Victorian racing industry. Picture: Racing Photos

Peta Tait has been remembered as a “much-loved” and “popular” member of the Victorian racing industry, particularly in Cranbourne.

Heartbroken Busuttin Racing has led tributes for the late Tait, who died Tuesday following a tragic accident at the Cranbourne stable.

“At this time our thoughts are with those nearest and dearest to Peta, her immediate family and many friends,” co-trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young said in a statement.

“Peta was an incredible person who was dedicated to her role and will leave a longstanding legacy. We are heartbroken by her loss.”

Tait sustained a fatal injury by a horse while working at the stable on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old was attended to by the on-site paramedic but tragically could not be saved.

Victoria Police and WorkSafe continue to investigate the circumstances of the accident.

Jockey Daniel Moor said Tait was a dedicated worker who would be greatly missed.

“It’s difficult to find the words to describe a one in a million person, but that’s exactly who Peta was,” Moor posted on X.

“So dedicated to her job and always so helpful. Constantly putting others before herself. She will be very sadly missed.”

It’s difficult to find the words to describe a one in a million person, but that’s exactly who Peta was. So dedicated to her job and always so helpful. Constantly putting others before herself. She will be very sadly missed. https://t.co/HCqFj9iZCI

— Daniel Moor (@daniel_moor) July 2, 2025

Tait, a former picnic jockey, has spent the best part of three decades in the racing industry as a track rider and assistant to a number of trainers in Cranbourne and throughout Gippsland.

Tait rode 48 winners on the picnic circuit including the 2013 Hinnomunjie Cup.

She capped an amateur race riding career with victory in the annual picnic feature, the Cranbourne Corinthian (1200m), aboard Unruly Student at her final race ride on October 11, 2019.

Tait has been a registered stable employee since 2006.

Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison extended the industry’s heartfelt condolences.

“This terrible accident serves as an untimely reminder of the thousands of unsung heroes working in stables each day to provide the best possible care to our racehorses,” Morrison said.

Peta Tait riding Unruly Student in 2019. Picture: Racing Photos

“Like all within our industry, Peta loved horses and she forged a career working with them, helping numerous trainers prepare their horses as a trackwork rider or strapping them on race day.

“Peta made a valuable contribution to Victorian racing over more than 25 years and her sudden passing will be felt by many, particularly in Cranbourne where she was based.”

Southside Racing chief executive Neil Bainbridge echoed the sentiment.

“We are providing support to Peta’s employer, their staff and our staff who have been greatly affected by this terrible accident that occurred in the stables,” Bainbridge said.

“Peta was a well-known and liked member of our community and her absence will be felt by lots of people.”

The Victorian Jockeys Association joined in tributes and condolences.

Free and confidential counselling service STABLELINE 1300 520 122 is available to members of the racing industry in need of support.

Originally published as Heartbroken trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young lead tributes for beloved team member Peta Tait after stable tragedy