Aussie jockey dies after racing fall

Australian jockey Mark Goring died on Monday as a result of severe head injuries he suffered when his mount Starbond fell in a three-horse pile-up during a maiden race at Tatura racecourse on Sunday.

Immediately after the incident Goring, the 22-year-old son of former jockey Peter Goring, was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where he underwent surgery but never regained consciousness, it was reported on the Thoroughbred Times website.

In October another Australian jockey Jason Oliver, brother of Melbourne Cup-winning rider Damien, was killed in a barrier trial at Perth.

Graham Duff, chairman of Racing Victoria Limited but speaking for the entire industry, has sent condolences to Goring’s family and friends.

In a statement of condolence on the Victoria Racing website Duff said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of Mark Goring’s death today at the age of 22.

“On behalf of the RVL board, chief executive officer and managing director, Neville Fielke, staff and the broader racing industry, I extend my deepest sympathies to Mark’s family, in particular his wife Emma and daughter Maddy, his parents Gail and Peter, friends and racing colleagues.

“Mark was a well-respected member of the racing community, he rode 140 winners in his six-year career including 14 in metropolitan Melbourne after being indentured as an apprentice in November 1995.

“Mark sustained severe head injuries after falling from Starbond in a three-horse fall in the Shepparton Maiden Plate at Tatura yesterday.

“Two other jockeys were also injured in the fall. Mick Johnstone riding Flash Molly, was treated for bruising at the track, while Jamie Anstice, riding Rapallo, was admitted to Goulburn Valley Hospital with fractured ribs and lacerations and discharged this morning.

“This matter is now the subject of a stewards’ inquiry and consequently, no further comment will be made until such time as the inquiry is completed.”