Female jockey Mikaela Claridge has died after falling from a horse at Cranbourne early on Friday morning.
The 22-year old Clyde woman was riding at around 4.30am when the accident occurred.
Her passing is not being treated as suspicious, and Worksafe and Racing Victoria are investigating.
The Cranbourne Training Centre has been suspended and the eight-race meeting at Pakenham on Friday has been cancelled.
Racing Victoria said it was 'with great sadness' to hear the young lady died doing what she loved, and would offer support to her family.
“RV, the Victorian Jockeys Association and the Cranbourne Turf Club are offering assistance to the family and local racing community at this tragic time," the statement said.
The Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) released the following statement.
"This was a tragic accident and one that has deeply saddened all at the Cranbourne Turf Club and our local racing community.
"WorkSafe have commenced an investigation into the incident and the Club will afford them every support in doing so.
"On behalf of the Club, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Mikaela's family and friends on her tragic passing. She was a popular member of the Cranbourne racing community and will be sadly missed."
Claridge was apprenticed to trainer Ken Keys, and rode 29 winners in her career.
It is horrible news for the racing community, and we send our condolences to the jockey's family in this trying time.
