Former jockey Peta Tait has tragically died after being "kicked in the head" by a horse.
The 43-year-old Australian was involved in a horrific accident on Tuesday (July 1) morning at a leading stable, where she was working as a stable hand.
Tait was working with trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young when she was struck in the head at around 7:30AM at Cranbourne Training Centre in south-east Melbourne.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and performed CPR, but were unable to save her.
A statement from Tait's employers read: "It is with tremendous sadness that Busuttin Racing confirm the passing of much-loved team member Peta Tait following a tragic accident at our Cranbourne stable yesterday morning," per Daily Star.
"At this time our thoughts are with those nearest and dearest to Peta, her immediate family and many friends, both inside and outside of the racing industry, as well as her team of colleagues, of whom she had maintained strong personal and professional relationships."
They added: "Peta was an incredible person who was dedicated to her role and will leave a long-standing legacy. We are heartbroken by her loss."
Jockey Daniel Moor also released a tribute post on X, which read: "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."
Tait started her career as an amateur "picnic" jockey at the age of 16 and went on to ride 48 winners. She won the 2013 Hinnomunjie Cup aboard Gaudalcanal and took out the 2019 Cranbourne Corinthian over 1200m in her final race ride.
Outside of her riding career, the jockey spent 20 years working as a trackwork rider and strapper for Racing Victoria.
Racing Victoria has remembered the 43-year-old as a "popular member of the picnic racing circuit," per 9News. "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," Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said.
"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 raceday," he continued. "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."
Police are investigating the circumstances around the incident, although they believe that it was a "tragic accident".
Our thoughts are with Tait's loved ones at this time.