Female jockey dies in a horror racetrack fall – just a day after recently – married apprentice Mikaela Claridge was killed in a Melbourne accident
Melanie Tyndall had been riding Restless in Race 3 at Fannie Bay when her horse clipped the heels of another and fell
A female jockey and police officer has died in a horror racetrack fall in Darwin, just one day after recently married apprentice Mikaela Claridge was killed in a Melbourne racing accident.
Melanie Tyndall had been riding Restless in Race 3 at Fannie Bay when her horse clipped the heels of another and fell.
The 32-year-old was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital where she died on on Saturday evening.
In a statement, Darwin Turf Club and Thoroughbred Racing NT said: ‘It is with great sadness that Thoroughbred Racing NT (TRNT) and the Darwin Turf Club (DTC) confirm the passing of Northern Territory jockey Melanie Tyndall’.
During the third race, Ms Tyndall’s mount appeared to clip the heels of another horse.
The police officer became unbalanced and fell near the 300 metre mark where she received medical assistance from the on course paramedics. She was reportedly trampled by another horse.
‘Melanie was then transported by St John Ambulance to Royal Darwin Hospital where she was afforded further medical care, but despite the best efforts of the professionals at RDH, Melanie passed away,’ the statement said.
TRNT Chief Executive, Andrew O’Toole, said: ‘On behalf of the NT racing industry, I would like to extend our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to Melanie’s family and friends on her passing.
‘Melanie was a much respected member of the Northern Territory racing family and her sad passing will be felt by many within the industry.’
Darwin Turf Club Chairman, Brett Dixon, said: ‘On behalf of the Darwin Turf Club, Board and Members, we too are deeply saddened by the passing of Melanie, and our sincerest condolences and support is extended to Melanie’s family and friends.’
Melanie Tyndall (pictured with her boyfriend) had been riding Restless in Race 3 at Fannie Bay when her horse clipped the heels of another and fell
The 32-year-old was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital where she died on on Saturday evening
The statement said the TRNT, DTC and Australian Jockeys’ Association (AJA) are working together to support the family, local racing community and industry employees ‘at this very sad time’.
On Twitter, thoroughbred trainer Michael Hickmott remembered Ms Tyndall as a ‘remarkable human being’.
‘If people only knew the hurdles you conquered in your life to make what you did of yourself,’ he wrote.
‘We were all so proud of what you achieved. You defied the odds. You might be gone for now, but we won’t forget you.
‘Forever in our minds. RIP Mel. You were a remarkable human being.’
The accident comes just a day after apprentice jockey Ms Claridge, 22, died from injuries in a fall when ‘her horse spooked’ at a Melbourne trackwork accident.
Claridge, who was married in March, resumed her apprenticeship in 2018 after a series of injuries and won her first race in September last year.
She had transferred to trainer Ken Keys at Cranbourne and won another 28 races, most recently at Sale on July 11.