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House of Assembly - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-10-16 Daily Xml
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Forrest, Ms Caitlin

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Recreation and Sport, Minister for Racing) (14:05): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL: It is with deep sadness that I inform the house of the death overnight of promising South Australian apprentice jockey Caitlin Forrest. Nineteen-year-old Caitlin, who was riding early leader Colla Voce in the feature sprint of the Murray Bridge Gold Cup carnival, died from injuries sustained in a tragic accident, having been thrown to the turf when her mount broke its leg, crashed through the running rail and brought down three other horses and riders. Colla Voce was put down following the incident. Fellow jockey Libby Hopwood is still receiving treatment for her injuries. I understand Thoroughbred Racing SA stewards commenced an immediate review. SafeWork SA has also commenced its investigation.

Considered to be a top prospect, Caitlin came from a racing family. Her dad, Darren, and her mum, Yvonne, worked for trainer Sam Kavanagh, who took Caitlin on as she first learned her trade. Caitlin had been riding since 2013 and was a member of Thoroughbred Racing SA's Apprentice Jockey Academy. She had ridden 51 winners (seven metro, 20 provincial and 24 country) and was recognised at the recent Thoroughbred Racing SA Industry Awards as the South Australian Provincial and Country Apprentice Jockey of the Year for the 2013-14 season.

This horrendous accident comes only a few days after Queensland jockey Carly-Mae Pye died after being critically injured in a fall during a barrier trial at the Callaghan Park racetrack, while former South Australian jockey Simone Montgomerie and veteran Queensland rider Desiree Gill died in the past 15 months. Earlier this year, many of us were there when our own champion jockey Clare Lindop suffered multiple fractures when she fell at Morphettville on Adelaide Cup Day. There was obviously a lot of concern around Clare that day felt by all those at the track.

I know the member for Hammond was there yesterday at the biggest race meeting in his area for the year. We had a discussion this morning and everyone who was there needs to be praised for their quick work, particularly the medical staff and the retrieval team, but also those who were on hand to provide the best medical service they possibly could.

Dedication and bravery are attributes required in many sports and they are found in abundance in the sport of racing. Jockeys are truly high performance athletes who literally put their life on the line every time they go into a race. Serious injuries are frequent and so many jockeys have lost their lives since racing began in Australia. This is where the generous support and donations of the National Jockeys Trust comes into play, providing invaluable assistance to injured jockeys and their families. I know there are people on both sides of this house who are strong supporters of the National Jockeys Trust.

This terrible incident serves to remind us of just how dangerous horse racing is. Jockeys know the dangers but come back courageously day after day because they love the sport and are very talented and exceptional at what they do. The racing industry is like a big family, and at a time like this every stable and every track will be feeling the same grief and sorrow.

This morning I telephoned the President of the Murray Bridge Racing Club, Reg Nolan, as well as the Chair of Thoroughbred Racing SA, Frances Nelson, and the chief executive officer of the South Australian Jockey Club, Brenton Wilkinson, to offer our condolences and any across-government support we may be able to provide.

Caitlin's talent and passion were evident in her success and commitment to racing. On behalf of the government of South Australia and indeed everyone here, I offer our deepest condolences to Caitlin's parents, her partner and fellow jockey, Scott Westover, as well as to everyone who knew Caitlin and who must be feeling enormous loss at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you.

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