'Her smile will be truly missed': Tributes paid to amateur jockey who died after fall
An amateur jockey has died following a fall earlier this month.
Lorna Brooke was riding Orchestrated, trained by her mother Lady Susan Brooke, in the Pontispool Equine Sports Centre Handicap Chase at Taunton on April 8 when the horse fell.
The 37-year-old was taken to hospital in Bristol for treatment, but the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) announced she had died on Sunday.
She was based at Dolau, near Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales.
A statement from the IJF said: “It is with deep sadness that we have to share the tragic news that Lorna Brooke passed away yesterday.
“Her family thank everyone for their kindness in the last few weeks, particularly the staff at Southmeads Hospital who were so professional.”
Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones offered her sympathies to the family, writing on Twitter: “This is desperately sad news. I am so very sorry. My heart goes out to Lorna’s family and friends.”
'Deeply saddened'
A spokesman for Dolau Community Hall also expressed their condolences, saying: “Our thoughts are with Alistair and Sue and this sad time. Lorna was out riding numerous times a day in the village, her smile will be truly missed.”
In a statement The Racecourse Association said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of Lorna Brooke’s death as a result of injuries sustained following a fall whilst race-riding at Taunton Racecourse on Thursday, April 8.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Lorna’s family and friends during this time.
“The RCA is in contact with Taunton Racecourse and relevant authorities, offering our support as required. All racecourses racing today will observe a period of silence and display black armbands as a mark of respect to Lorna’s memory.”
The British Horseracing Authority released a statement in which its chief executive Julie Harrington said: “Everybody at the BHA is devastated by this news. Lorna was a much-loved member of our sport, in which she and her family are steeped.
“Lorna demonstrated many of the qualities that make British racing so special. She was a proud competitor and somebody who was driven by an abundance of love not only for the sport but for the horses she competed with.
“My thoughts, along with everybody else who loves racing, are with Lorna’s family, friends and colleagues at this dreadful time.”
