Advertisement

Jockey who died in tragic fall had recently married her 'dream husband'

A 22-year-old female jockey who died after falling from a horse had only recently said “I do” to the love of her life.

Mikaela Claridge fell from her horse while training at Cranbourne Racecourse in Melbourne’s south-east early on Friday morning.

Racing Victoria chief executive Giles Thompson said Ms Claridge was a talented rider who was popular with other jockeys and said her death was tragic.

“She was a much loved and valuable member of the racing community and her sad passing is being felt by many within our industry today,” he said.

Sir Mask ridden by Mikaela Claridge returns after winning the Gippsland Funeral Services BM64 Handicap at Sale Racecourse on July, 2019.
Jockey Mikaela Claridge died in a fall at Cranbourne Racecourse on Friday. Source: Getty Images

Friends and family have mourned the sudden death of the talented athlete on social media, leaving heartwarming messages.

“Words aren’t enough to describe how we all felt this morning, such a freak accident,” a friend wrote.

One of the most recent posts on Ms Claridge’s Facebook was a collection of photos from her wedding day to her “dream husband” Jamie Ferguson in April.

“The most magical day imaginable to marry my dream husband,” the happy bride wrote.

Jockey Mikaela Claridge (left) on her wedding day with her new husband Jamie Ferguson (right).
Jockey Mikaela Claridge (left) had only just married her husband Jamie Ferguson (right) in April when she died suddenly after falling from a horse on August 30 while training. Source: Facebook/Mikaela Claridge/Bret Trigg

“We couldn’t have done it without any of you!” Ms Claridge wrote as she thanked her family and friends for their support on the day.

The dedicated jockey thanked the Echuca Racing Club where she had trained, ending the post with “cheers to marrying my forever.”

Trainer Ken Keys told The Sydney Morning Herald that fellow jockeys in the club would “take a little while” to accept the death of Ms Claridge.

“They’re a pretty close-knit group, probably only half a dozen but they’re going to struggle,” he said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.